10 to 12 storms, tropical depressions forecast to hit Việt Nam before end of year

Hydro-meteorological experts have warned of complicated weather developments from now to the end of 2022. VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI – Hydro-meteorological experts have warned of complicated weather developments from now to the end of 2022.

Speaking at a conference on Thursday, General Director of the Việt Nam Meteorological and Hydrological Administration, Trần Hồng Thái, warned that between 10 and 12 storms and tropical depressions are forecast to hit the country between now and the end of the year.

According to Hoàng Phúc Lâm, deputy director of the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF), four to six storms are likely to directly affect inland areas, approximately the same as in previous years.

During the rainy season from July to September, rainfall in the northern region is likely to be equal to or higher than the average. In contrast, the Central Highlands and the southern regions are projected to experience less rainfall. High risk of downpours and dangerous weather phenomena such as thunderstorms, whirlwinds and hail are possible on a nationwide scale.

NCHMF Director Mai Văn Khiêm said hot weather and lower rainfall are likely to become more and more extreme.

At the conference, Thái also gave an update on the expansion of a disaster warning system that will more accurately forecast imminent bad weather. 

The system will provide information 30 minutes to two hours in advance,  to give people time to take preventive measures, said General Director Thái. 

“Warnings about tornados, lightning and storms 30 minutes in advance can save a person. We immediately send the reports to localities to inform people,” he said.

The system, funded by Belgium between 2021 and 2024, will update and warn about thunderstorms, rains, tornadoes and lightning once every 15 minutes, and give warnings about areas and roads that will be at risk of flooding.

This information will be automatically sent to people on their phones.

The monitoring and warning system is also being expanded nationwide, based on ten modern radar systems supported by Japan and Finland, Thái said. 

The forecasting accuracy of meteorology has improved in recent years, he said, adding that the agency also needs to have specific data on the water supply and drainage system in the localities to be able to predict more accurately possible floodings. VNS