According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, a low-pressure system in the southern East Sea strengthened into a tropical depression on the morning of December 21.

At 10 a.m., the strongest winds near the center of the depression reached 39-49 km/h (level 6), with gusts up to level 8. The system is currently nearly stationary.

Due to the tropical depression, strong winds have been recorded at several stations: Huyen Tran station reported level 7 winds with level 8 gusts; Phu Quy Island experienced level 7 gusts; and Truong Sa Island saw level 6 winds with level 7 gusts. The northern East Sea has experienced northeast winds of level 6-7.

Weather forecast for the next 24 hours

Heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected today over the southern East Sea, including the waters around the Spratly Islands. Thunderstorms may bring waterspouts and strong gusts of wind reaching levels 7-8.

By December 22, the northern East Sea, including the Paracel Islands, will experience strong northeast winds at level 7, with gusts of level 8-9. Rough seas are expected, with wave heights ranging from 4 to 6 meters.

The waters from Quang Ngai to Ca Mau, the central East Sea, and the western areas of the southern East Sea will see northeast winds of level 6-7, with gusts of level 8-9. Wave heights are forecast to be 3-5.5 meters.

Coastal areas from Quang Tri to Quang Nam will have northeast winds at level 6 with level 8 gusts, causing waves of 2-4 meters.

The Gulf of Tonkin is forecast to see northeast winds at levels 5-6 with level 7-8 gusts, with wave heights of 1-3 meters.

All vessels operating in these areas face high risks from waterspouts, strong winds, and high waves.

Heavy rains expected in central and southern Vietnam

The Southern Meteorological Center reported that a strengthening cold air mass combined with high-altitude pressure systems will create favorable conditions for heavy rains. From December 23 to 26, the Central and South Central regions will experience widespread rain, with localized downpours reaching 100-300 mm and some areas exceeding 500 mm.

The Central Highlands will see moderate to heavy rains, particularly in its eastern areas, with localized rainfall of 60-120 mm and some areas surpassing 200 mm during December 24-25.

The northern region of Vietnam, including Hanoi, will remain dry and sunny through December 23. From December 24-27, light rain is expected in some areas, with scattered showers on December 26-27. Temperatures will remain cold, especially in mountainous areas.

From December 23-27, rivers in the Thua Thien Hue to Ninh Thuan provinces could experience rising water levels, increasing the risks of flash floods, landslides in mountainous regions, and flooding in low-lying areas.

Heavy rains are also forecast for the Central Highlands and southern Vietnam, with localized downpours affecting parts of the East Southern region during December 24-25.

Le My