On the morning of June 5th, the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting issued a warning about localized heavy rain, thunderstorms, whirlwinds, and lightning in the inner city of Hanoi.
Satellite imagery, lightning detection data, and weather radar have detected developing convective cloud regions causing rain in the areas of Ung Hoa, Phu Xuyen, and Thanh Oai, which are moving and expanding towards the inner city of Hanoi.
From 7 AM to 9 AM, this cloud region will bring rain to the mentioned areas, and subsequently, it will spread to other districts in the inner city of Hanoi. During the thunderstorms, there is a possibility of whirlwinds, lightning, and strong gusts of wind.
Lightning strikes in Hanoi recorded in 2022. (Photo: 2Sao).
In an interview with Suc Khoe Doi Song, Dr. Nguyen Xuan Anh from the Institute of Geophysics, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, stated that Vietnam is located in the heart of the Asian thunderstorm zone, one of three major thunderstorm centers in the world with significant lightning activity. The average number of thunderstorm days in Vietnam is about 100 days per year, with an average of 250 hours of thunderstorms annually. In one year, Vietnam can experience up to 2 million lightning strikes to the ground. The annual death toll from lightning strikes in Vietnam remains high compared to the region.
According to forecaster Nguyen Thi Thanh Binh from the Remote Sensing Numerical Forecasting Department, National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, lightning strikes do not occur evenly throughout the year but are concentrated in the period from April to May and into early autumn, particularly during the transitional phases at the beginning and end of summer.
This year, there has been more rain than usual, with an increased frequency of heavy rain events. Summer rains are formed primarily from convective cloud systems, which not only bring showers but also thunderstorms, lightning, and whirlwinds.
Safety Principles During Thunderstorms
Experts have also provided recommendations for the public regarding safety principles during thunderstorms.
Firstly, when thunderstorms are imminent, the best way to avoid lightning is to go home. Safe places to avoid lightning include buildings or workplaces equipped with lightning protection systems.
The best way to avoid lightning when a storm is imminent is to go home. (Photo: 2Sao)
If you cannot reach a building in time, do not use trees for shelter, avoid higher ground, and stay clear of metallic objects such as bicycles, machinery, and iron fences. Seek dry areas, and if there are taller trees around, find a lower spot or a position near shorter trees.
Do not stand in close groups of people. If you feel your hair standing on end (similar to the electric sensation when touching a TV screen), this indicates that you could be struck by lightning at any moment. Immediately crouch down and cover your ears with your hands; do not lie on the ground or place your hands on the ground.
For vehicles with metallic surfaces such as buses, trains, and cars, as long as you do not stick your body out and do not touch the metal exterior, these places are safe. Conversely, vehicles that are open or lack a metallic covering are dangerous. After hearing thunder, you can return to normal activities after 30 minutes.
It is advisable to unplug electrical devices before a storm occurs. (Photo: Suc Khoe Doi Song)
Secondly, when indoors, stay away from windows, doors, and electrical appliances, avoid damp areas such as bathrooms, water tanks, and sinks, and do not use the telephone unless absolutely necessary.
Unplug electrical devices before a storm approaches. Telephone lines and electrical wires connected to outside grids can be affected by lightning strikes. Maintain a distance of at least 1 meter from these wires and electrical devices. It is also essential to unplug radios connected to outdoor antennas during thunderstorms.
