In recent days, thunderstorms in Northern and Central Vietnam have often been accompanied by lightning, and sometimes there are even thunderstorms without rain. This summer, our country may experience more thunderstorms than in previous years. What is the reason behind this?
In reality, Vietnam is situated in the heart of the Asian thunderstorm region, one of the three major thunderstorm centers in the world, meaning that it is an area with strong thunderstorm activity. Each year, Vietnam experiences about 100 days of thunderstorms and endures approximately 2 million lightning strikes.
In our country, thunderstorms typically occur due to winds bringing moisture from the East Sea inland. The humid air mixes with warm air rising from the land due to the Sun, and under unstable conditions, this creates thunderstorms.
However, lightning can occur even in places without thunderstorms. A location that is not experiencing a storm can still be struck by lightning from a thundercloud more than 10 kilometers away. This is extremely dangerous because people do not know how to protect themselves.
Even in clear weather, far from a storm, lightning can still strike. (Illustrative photo: ESS).
According to forecasts, this summer in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, will see an increase in lightning activity. Associate Professor Steve Yim from the Asian Environmental School at Nanyang Technological University (Singapore) states that climate change will increase the frequency of thunderstorms due to enhanced convection and humidity in the atmosphere.
Moreover, rising global temperatures due to global warming can also increase the likelihood of thunderstorms. The reason is that a warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture, and according to the Royal Meteorological Society, for every 1°C increase in temperature, humidity increases by 7%. This has also been predicted by scientists at the University of California and New York State University (USA): they indicate that for every 1°C rise in global average air temperature, lightning strikes will increase by approximately 12%.
Southeast Asia is a hotspot for lightning; for example, Singapore is one of the countries with the highest lightning rates in the world. (Photo: Paul Lee).
“In tropical countries like ours, when the atmospheric layer closest to the ground heats up, more energy needs to be released. This can lead to more lightning, as convection currents—‘loops’ created by temperature differences—become more frequent,” says Associate Professor Yim.
According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, thunderstorms in Northern Vietnam are most common from April to August. The period from May to July is prone to severe thunderstorms due to intense heat waves, which cause hot and cold air to collide easily.
After heat waves, thunderstorms are likely to occur. (Illustrative photo: Shutterstock).
When thunderstorms and lightning occur, people should seek shelter immediately; avoid areas near water bodies such as rivers, lakes, or swimming pools; refrain from using electrical devices; avoid holding metal objects; do not stand under tall trees; and it is best to wait at least 30 minutes after hearing the last thunder before going outside.
