In May 2024, Northern Vietnam experiences several days of thunderstorms, with pleasant weather reminiscent of late Spring and maximum temperatures not exceeding 32 degrees Celsius.
Following a severe heatwave at the end of April, Hanoi and other provinces in Northern Vietnam entered early Summer with a series of thunderstorms, with some areas experiencing heavy rainfall. For many days, maximum temperatures remained below 32 degrees Celsius, creating a comfortable and cool atmosphere similar to late Spring. At night, temperatures in some regions dropped to just 23 degrees Celsius.
Despite being nearly 20 days into Summer, the weather in Northern Vietnam remains pleasant. (Illustrative photo: Minh Đức)
In an interview with a reporter, Associate Professor Dr. Phan Văn Tân from the Department of Meteorology, Hydrology, and Oceanography at the University of Natural Sciences, Vietnam National University, Hanoi stated that the weather in May this year is similar to early Summer days in 2022. The rainfall is considered one of the reasons why the weather in Hanoi and Northern provinces has remained cool for many days.
“The recent rain is due to a combination of several weather patterns, mainly the intrusion of cold air from the North, the activity of the Meiyu front in the North, and the tropical convergence zone moving northward in the Central region,” Dr. Phan Văn Tân explained.
Explaining the cool weather in Northern Vietnam recently, a representative from the Hai Phong Meteorological Station mentioned that this May, cold air has been more prevalent.
“Northern and Central regions experienced a widespread heatwave, with many areas exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. However, this May is different as the cold air has been more pronounced than in previous years, leading to rainfall and a decrease in temperature,” the representative from the Hai Phong Meteorological Station stated.
A meteorological expert from the National Center for Meteorological Forecasting noted that we are currently in a transitional season, with cold waves still affecting the region, causing rain and maintaining cool weather.
“In June and July, as we enter the peak of Summer, there will be more hot days,” the expert added.
According to statistics from the National Center for Meteorological Forecasting, in May, the heatwave persisted only in the Central and Southern Central regions on May 1-2. On May 3, the heatwave was localized.
Meanwhile, from May 1-13, Northern Vietnam continuously experienced widespread thunderstorms, with some days of moderate to heavy rainfall. On May 4, 7, and 11, rain was intermittent. During the first half of the month, the total rainfall in this region was 100-200% higher than average, with some areas exceeding 200% compared to the multi-year average for this period.
On May 2-4, 6-7, and 10-13, thunderstorms spread to the areas from Thanh Hoa to Thua Thien Hue. The Central Highlands experienced scattered showers and thunderstorms from May 2-5, with some areas seeing moderate to heavy rainfall. The Southern region had scattered showers and thunderstorms on May 4-5, 7-9, 11, and 13.
From now until the end of May, the intensity of the heat will decrease nationwide. Thunderstorms in Northern Vietnam will continue, particularly from the night of May 27-31, where localized heavy rainfall is expected.
Forecasts indicate that in June, the heat and severe heat are likely to increase again in Northern and Central regions. In the South, the southwest monsoon is expected to strengthen, leading to increased rainfall in the Central Highlands and Southern regions.
Additionally, meteorological agencies report that from now until the end of June 2024, El Niño is expected to transition to a neutral state with an 80-85% probability. From July to August 2024, ENSO is expected to gradually shift towards a La Niña state with a 65-75% probability.
From now until August 2024, the East Sea may experience 3-5 typhoons or tropical depressions, with around 1 making landfall. The country should remain vigilant against dangerous weather phenomena such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, lightning, hail, and strong winds.
