Typhoon Kujira changes course, no threat to Vietnam's mainland

At 4 a.m. on August 5, the typhoon was churning over the southeastern waters of the northern part of the East Sea. Maximum sustained winds near the centre reached 62-74 kph, with gusts of up to 102 kph, as the storm moved eastward at around 10 kph.

Forecasters said Kujira is expected to shift to an east-northeast track over the next 24 hours at a speed of 5-10 kph.

By 4 a.m. on August 6, the storm is forecast to move to the waters northwest of Luzon Island in the Philippines before weakening into a tropical depression, with maximum winds of 61 kph and gusts of 88 kph.

By the morning of August 7, the tropical depression is expected to continue moving east-northeast, northeast of Luzon, before weakening into a low-pressure area.

According to the NCHMF, the current forecast track indicates that Kujira is unlikely to affect Vietnam's coastal areas or mainland.

However, the southeastern waters of the northern East Sea will continue to experience rough seas under the storm's circulation, with winds gusting 102 kph. Waves are forecast to reach 2-4 m.

The weather agency warned that vessels operating in the affected waters should remain alert for thunderstorms, waterspouts, strong wind gusts and high waves.

Although the typhoon is not expected to make landfall in Vietnam, meteorologists advised the public to continue following official forecasts as the country’s 2026 storm season enters its peak period.

Meanwhile, weather conditions over mainland Vietnam in early August are being driven mainly by a low-pressure trough and the southwest monsoon, rather than by Typhoon Kujira. These weather systems are bringing moderate to heavy rain to parts of the northern and north-central regions of Vietnam, with authorities warning of flash floods, landslides and localised flooding.

According to Vietnam’s seasonal weather outlook, the East Sea is entering the peak of the 2026 typhoon season, which typically lasts through September. Forecasters expect more tropical cyclones and tropical depressions to develop over the northwestern Pacific during this period, with some potentially affecting Vietnam.

Meteorologists advised the public not to be complacent but also not to be unduly concerned by storms that are far from the country. They urged people to follow official forecasts and warnings issued by the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting to stay informed and prepared for any changes in weather conditions.

Northern Vietnam braces for heavy rain, flood and landslide risks

VOV.VN - Vietnam has instructed authorities in 18 northern and north-central provinces and cities to prepare for widespread heavy rainfall expected from August 4 to 6, as forecasts warn some areas could receive more than 300 mm of rain, increasing the risks of flooding, flash floods and landslides.