El Nino likely to return as northern Vietnam faces weekend thunderstorms
VOV.VN - Vietnam’s weather agency has warned of a high likelihood that El Nino will return from mid-2026 and could grow significantly stronger toward the end of the year, bringing intensified heatwaves and more extreme weather.
In the short term, many parts of the country are expected to face thunderstorms, lightning and strong wind gusts.
According to Nguyen Van Huong, Head of the Weather Forecast Department under the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, there is an 80-90% probability that El Nino conditions will re-emerge around the middle of 2026.
The phenomenon could become particularly strong toward the end of the year, with a 20-25% chance of reaching high intensity and extending into 2027, increasing the risk of widespread extreme weather events.
Forecasts for 2026 indicate that heatwaves are likely to occur more frequently and with greater intensity than average. Rainfall and storms, meanwhile, are expected to decline. However, dangerous weather conditions such as thunderstorms, hail and strong winds are forecast to become more frequent, particularly during seasonal transition periods.
Experts warned that intense localized downpours over short periods could trigger flash floods and landslides in mountainous areas, as well as severe urban flooding.
Huong also said a new cold spell is expected to affect northern Vietnam around May 8-9, corresponding to Friday and Saturday this week, bringing widespread thunderstorms across the region.
The storms could be accompanied by hazardous weather conditions including squalls, whirlwinds, hail and strong wind gusts, posing risks to residents and outdoor activities.
In the southern part of the Central Highlands and southern Vietnam, widespread showers and thunderstorms are likely from May 5-7, with rain mainly occurring in the late afternoon and evening.
The weather agency advised residents to remain alert during thunderstorms due to the risk of sudden hazardous weather events such as whirlwinds, lightning, hail and strong winds.
Amid increasingly volatile weather conditions in the coming period, forecasters urged residents to regularly monitor weather updates and proactively take disaster prevention measures, particularly in mountainous areas, low-lying regions and densely populated urban centres.
Greater public awareness and early preparedness will help minimise damage caused by extreme weather events as the risk of a strong El Nino return grows, the experts said.
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