The ongoing extreme heat wave across southern Vietnam may be prolonged until the end of next month as this year’s rainy season is forecast to come later than usual, according to the central meteorological agency.
The first rains may start in the second half of May and the rainy season will last until the end of November, with total precipitation will be 10-15 percent higher than the average of the past many years, the Vietnam Meteorological and Hydrological Administration, under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, forecast on Friday.
As such, the hot weather will continue from now until the end of May, during which light winds and high evaporation of water will be recorded while there is little chance of rain.
The highest temperature in the current dry season in the southern region has been recorded at 40 degrees Celsius in Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai Province on April 9.
Relentless sunshine will deplete a lot of rivers, lakes and canals, leading to serious drought throughout most of the Southern region.
This year’s flood season in the Saigon and Dong Nai rivers will fall in August-September, while that in the Mekong Delta will come in October or November.
This year's flood peak may be higher than in 2023 but not significantly.
Saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta region may take place in three more waves from now through May before decreasing remarkably by the end of June.
The first half of May is the transition period from the dry to rainy season, during which there will be dangerous weather phenomena such as thunderstorms, whirlwinds, downpours and lightning.
The El Nino phenomenon may switch to La Nina towards the end of the year, causing increased rain, storms, and floods, so localities need to monitor and proactively respond to this weather pattern.
Last year marked the hottest period in history in Vietnam, with the highest ever temperature amounting to 44.2 degrees Celsius in Tuong Duong District, Nghe An Province on May 7, 2023.
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