Weak cold air to ease Northern heatwave with thunderstorms
VOV.VN - A weak cold air mass moving southward from April 16, combined with a low-pressure trough, is expected to trigger widespread thunderstorms across northern Vietnam, helping ease the region’s first heatwave of 2026.
The incoming weak cold air is compressing a low-pressure trough, causing decent rain across the region, according to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.
From the night of April 16 to April 17, under the combined influence of this system and wind convergence around 1,500 meters altitude, most northern localities, except Lai Chau and Dien Bien in the Northwestern region and Thanh Hoa in the north-central region are forecast to experience moderate to heavy rain and scattered thunderstorms. Rainfall is expected to range between 20–40mm, with some areas exceeding 100mm. Cooler conditions are likely to follow from April 17.
During thunderstorms, residents are advised to remain alert for hazardous weather conditions, including tornadoes, lightning, hail, and strong gusts. Heavy rainfall may also trigger flash floods in small rivers and streams, landslides in mountainous areas, and localised flooding in low-lying regions.
Earlier on April 15, much of northern Vietnam continued to experience hot weather, though with slightly reduced intensity compared to previous days. Temperatures in the Northeast range from 31–34°C, with some areas exceeding 35°C, while the Northwest records highs of 33–36°C, locally above 36°C. The heatwave is expected to gradually subside.
In Hanoi, the day is sunny with temperatures ranging from 26–28°C at night to 32–34°C during the day. Light winds helped ease the oppressive heat.
Meanwhile, central Vietnam continues to endure severe to extreme heat due to the influence of a western low-pressure zone combined with strong foehn winds. Temperatures range from 37–39°C, with some areas exceeding 39°C, while humidity stays low at 35–40%.
In the Central Highlands and southern regions, hot weather persists, particularly in the southeastern provinces, where temperatures range from 33–36°C. Isolated showers and thunderstorms may occur in the late afternoon and evening, bringing temporary relief from the daytime heat.
Meteorological experts recommended closely monitoring real-time updates on thunderstorms, lightning, flash floods, and landslide risks via official online warning systems.
Cold air to cool northern Vietnam after prolonged heat
VOV.VN - Northern Vietnam is forecast to see cooler conditions from around April 20 as a cold air mass moves in, following a period of prolonged heat affecting large parts of the country.
