Ho Chi Minh City and various parts of southern Vietnam experienced record-breaking unseasonal rainfall from Wednesday to Thursday morning, marking the largest mid-February downpour in two decades, according to the Southern Regional Hydrometeorological Center.

The influence of a low-pressure trough connected to a tropical depression over the southern East Vietnam Sea has led to heavy downpours across Ho Chi Minh City and nearby provinces. 

Data recorded until Thursday morning revealed unprecedented precipitation levels for February in the past 20 years (2005-25).

In Ho Chi Minh City, rainfall measured at Nha Be Station was 124.4mm, while Tam Thon Hiep 1 Station in Hoc Mon District recorded 126.6mm of precipitation.

Other parts across the city and in southeastern provinces received more than 40mm of rainfall.

According to Le Dinh Quyet, head of the forecasting department at the Southern Regional Hydrometeorological Center, February rainfall has only been recorded in 12 out of the last 20 years.

The previous highest total February rainfall was in 2006, reaching 72.7mm, with 66.1mm falling on February 10 alone. 

The second-highest year was 2012, which saw 68.7mm, including 46.7mm on February 17.

Some years recorded minimal February rainfall, such as 2013 and 2018, when precipitation reached 0.1mm and 0.2mm, respectively.

In most other years, total February rainfall ranged from 9mm to 30mm.

With Wednesday already recording 30-50mm of rainfall and an even higher amount by Thursday morning, this February now holds the record for the highest rainfall in two decades, and further rain is expected in the coming days.

Also on Thursday morning, thunderclouds developed locally and moved inland from the sea, bringing heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning to several districts, including Can Gio District, Nha Be District, Binh Chanh District, District 6, District 7, Hoc Mon District, Cu Chi District, and Thu Duc City.

The southern weather agency warned of strong winds at 8-17m/s, localized flooding, and potential hailstorms in the region.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam!