Vietnam Forecasts Storms Across Central and Southern Regions

Localized thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are expected across central and southern Vietnam on October 12, 2026, with dangerous weather conditions potentially affecting coastal communities, urban areas and highland districts. Forecasts from the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting and regional weather reports indicate that northern Vietnam will generally experience sunnier daytime conditions, while parts of the central region, Central Highlands and south face continued rain and storm risks through October 21.

According to Vietnam.vn, thunderstorms could bring lightning, tornadoes and strong wind gusts to several regions. The forecast also identifies periods of moderate to heavy rainfall in parts of central Vietnam and around Ho Chi Minh City, particularly during afternoon and evening hours.

The 10-day outlook published by Baonghean.vn covers October 11-21 and highlights contrasting conditions between northern and southern parts of the country. Rainfall is expected to become more localized in some central areas from October 15, although scattered showers and thunderstorms may continue.

For October 12, northwestern Vietnam is forecast to have cloudy skies with sunny intervals and temperatures of 20-32 degrees Celsius. Northeastern Vietnam is expected to record temperatures of 21-33 degrees, while Hanoi should see daytime sunshine, no rain at night and temperatures of 22-33 degrees.

From Thanh Hoa to Hue, scattered showers are forecast, with moderate to locally heavy rain and thunderstorms in Hue. Temperatures across the area are expected to range from 22-32 degrees Celsius, according to Vietnam.vn.

The central-south coastal region faces a greater risk of heavier precipitation in its northern section, including Da Nang and eastern parts of the provinces stretching from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak. The southern section is expected to experience scattered showers and thunderstorms, with temperatures ranging from 23-32 degrees Celsius.

In the Central Highlands, scattered showers and thunderstorms are forecast, with temperatures of 20-31 degrees Celsius. Southern Vietnam is expected to see similar unsettled conditions, with temperatures of 23-33 degrees and localized heavy rainfall possible.

Ho Chi Minh City is forecast to experience scattered showers and thunderstorms, especially in the afternoon and evening. Some areas could receive heavy rain, while temperatures are expected to range from 24-34 degrees Celsius.

The longer-range forecast from Baonghean.vn indicates that scattered nighttime showers will continue in the north, followed by sunny daytime conditions. From Nghe An to Quang Tri, localized rainfall and thunderstorms are expected, with some areas potentially experiencing heavy rain from the night of October 12.

From the night of October 13 through October 21, scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to persist from Quang Tri to Da Nang and in eastern areas extending from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak. Rainfall is forecast to ease from October 15 in parts of this zone, although isolated heavy downpours remain possible.

Southern Vietnam and Lam Dong province are expected to experience scattered afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms throughout the forecast period. In the Central Highlands, thunderstorms are forecast mainly during the evening from October 13-16, with localized showers remaining possible on subsequent days.

Marine conditions also require caution around the Hoang Sa Special Economic Zone near Da Nang and the Truong Sa Special Zone near Khanh Hoa. Vietnam.vn forecasts scattered showers and thunderstorms in both areas, with potential wind gusts reaching levels 7-8 during storms.

Waves around Hoang Sa are expected to reach 1.5-2.5 meters and could exceed 2.5 meters during thunderstorms. Around Truong Sa, waves are forecast at 1-2 meters, potentially rising above 2 meters during storms. Visibility may fall from more than 10 kilometers to 4-10 kilometers during rainfall around both areas.

Baonghean.vn warns that intense localized rainfall could cause flooding in low-lying areas, along waterways and in urban districts, while steep slopes may face landslide risks. The forecast also identifies lightning, tornadoes, hail and strong wind gusts as potential storm hazards.