According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, from the night of 25/6 to the morning of 26/6, many mountainous and midland areas of the Northern region experienced very heavy rain. Tuyen Quang was one of the areas with the heaviest rainfall, with Quang Nguyen and Tat Nga both recording nearly 200 mm.

In Cao Bang, the Tinh Tuc station recorded approximately 200 mm of rain, while Dong Vien (Thai Nguyen) received about 180 mm. Other areas also experienced heavy rain, including Nam Xe (Lai Chau) with over 90 mm, and Kim Anh (Hanoi) with over 30 mm.

Specifically in Lai Chau, from 22h on 25/6 to 4h on 26/6, many areas experienced moderate to heavy rain, such as Nam Xe with 81 mm and Ban Lang with 73 mm. Between 2h and 4h, Lao Cai and Lang Son continued to receive heavy rain, with Mau Son recording 75,6 mm.

Prolonged rain has caused the soil in some northern mountainous areas to become nearly or fully saturated. In the next 3-6 hours, these areas are expected to continue experiencing widespread rain of 10-30 mm, with some localized areas receiving over 80 mm, increasing the risk of flash floods on small rivers and streams, landslides on slopes, and land subsidence.

Meteorological agencies warn that flash floods and landslides could cause damage to people and property, lead to localized traffic congestion, and impact infrastructure, production activities, and the lives of mountain residents.

Thunderstorm in Hanoi. *Photo: Ngoc Thanh*

In Hanoi, satellite imagery, lightning detection data, and weather radar indicate a convective cloud mass developing over Thai Nguyen and moving towards the city. In the next 1-4 hours (6h30-9h30), this cloud mass is forecast to cause heavy rain and strong thunderstorms, initially in northern Hanoi, then spreading to other wards and communes. During the thunderstorm, there is a possibility of whirlwinds, lightning, and strong gusts of wind.

The thunderstorm is forecast to occur precisely during the morning rush hour, when residents commute to work and school. Heavy rain combined with increased traffic volume could slow traffic on many streets and even cause localized congestion at busy intersections and low-lying areas.

Residents are advised to closely monitor weather developments, choose appropriate routes, and avoid stopping or parking under trees, billboards, and structures that pose safety risks during thunderstorms.

Gia Chinh