VietNamNet Bridge – Viet Nam is likely to be hit by only three or four storms from now until the end of the year - fewer than in previous years.

This forecast is based on the appearance of the weather phenomenon El Nino, which causes the warming of sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean.

El Nino brings about unusual weather patterns, especially in the south, said the director of the Central Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting Centre, Hoang Duc Cuong.

Throughout Viet Nam, precipitation is expected to be lower than average and there is a possibility that the rainy season will end sooner than usual.

In the north, minor and moderate river flooding is expected in September and October.

Water levels in the Song Hong (Red River) are also forecast to stay moderately low. In November and December, waters in the upper reaches should be 10 to 30 per cent lower than average.

In the lower reaches, water levels may be at a record 24 to 39 per cent below average.

Droughts and water shortages in the central coastal provinces will persist until early September.

River flooding in these provinces and the Central Highlands are forecast to be later - and lower

VNA/VNN