According to meteorological experts, thunderstorms are most prevalent at the beginning of the rainy season, a time when warm and cold air masses clash.
In a conversation with a reporter from the Health & Life Newspaper, Mr. Vu Anh Tuan, Deputy Head of the Weather Forecasting Department at the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, stated that the current rainfall is due to the influence of a weak low-pressure trough moving through the Northern region, which is being suppressed by a cold air mass from the North.
The red dots indicate lightning strike locations updated by the National Hydro-Meteorological Network Center at 9:30 AM today.
Rainfall events typical of May and June are often accompanied by thunderstorms, leading to lightning strikes and hail. This is the time when warm and cold air masses are in conflict.
Meteorological experts note that thunderstorms frequently occur at the beginning of the rainy season, following a period of hot and dry weather. Before the widespread rainfall starting June 5, the Northern region experienced a week of intense heat and humidity.
Vietnam experiences approximately 2 million lightning strikes
Vietnam is located at the heart of the Asian thunderstorm zone, one of the three major thunderstorm areas in the world, characterized by strong thunderstorm activity. The thunderstorm season in Vietnam is relatively lengthy, with an average of 100 thunderstorm days per year and approximately 250 hours of thunderstorm activity annually.
Vietnam endures up to 2 million lightning strikes each year. The frequency of lightning is higher in mountainous areas, the northern midlands, and the Mekong Delta.
Thunderstorms are one of the most dangerous natural disasters, with a very high fatality risk. The temperature of a lightning bolt is five times that of the sun, with a speed that can occur in the blink of an eye.
Experts advise that when signs of thunderstorms are observed, people should quickly return home. A safe area to avoid lightning is a building or office equipped with a lightning protection system.
If individuals are outdoors and encounter lightning without being able to reach safety, they should follow these rules: avoid standing next to tall trees, refrain from gathering in groups, and do not go into the water.
Forecasts indicate that from today until tomorrow night (June 6), the Northern region and Thanh Hoa will experience moderate to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, with localized areas experiencing very heavy rain.
During thunderstorms, caution is advised due to the potential for tornadoes, lightning, hail, and strong winds.
