Vietnam can expect a damp week as rain has been forecast to increase in intensity across the country, according to a local meteorologist.

Thanks to a cold air mass affecting the north, cool weather accompanied by evening rain is predicted in towns and cities in the north, Le Thi Xuan Lan, a Ho Chi Minh City-based weather pundit, has said.

Rain intensity is expected to surge by the weekend due to another weather disturbance, the weather specialist also forecast.

The central region is expected to experience bad weather by Tuesday due to the Intertropical Convergence Zone crossing the region.

Downpours and strong winds are anticipated in the south-central area and to expand to the Hai Van Pass, which borders the central province of Thua Thien-Hue and Da Nang City.

Under the combined effect of the convergence zone and southwesterly winds, torrential rain and high winds are anticipated in the southern and Central Highlands regions in the evening, Lan added.

Several areas in Ho Chi Minh City were inundated due to the combined effect of heavy downpours and a rising tide on Sunday evening.

Of these, Luong Dinh Cua Street in District 2 was submerged in half a meter of floodwater, leading to many vehicles breaking down on the street.

According to the Southern Regional Hydrometeorological Center, water levels in the Saigon and Dong Nai Rivers are forecast to peak at 1.5 meters between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm on Monday and Tuesday.

The tide is expected to rapidly drop after that, the center added.