Some 13-15 storms and tropical depressions will occur during the rainy season, with three to four expected to directly affect the central provinces’ mainland, said Hoang Duc Cuong, director of the center.
A boat carrying supplies to residents of Huong Khe district of Ha Tinh province during the October 2016 flood season
The rainy season will start late and be short in the northern region, he said.
Rainfall in this area will be 10-30 percent less than previous annual averages in May, September and October.
Rainfall in the central region will be 15-30 percent less than previous years’ average in September and October.
The rainy season will also start late in the Central Highlands and the southern region. Rainfall will be 30 percent higher than previous years’ average from May to August, but 30 percent less than average in October.
The average temperature will be higher than previous years from May to October in the north, but will not last long and not cause harsh summer heat.
Thunderstorms, cyclones and hail are likely during the transition period between seasons (April-May) in the midlands, mountainous northern regions, north central region, Central Highlands, and southern region.
Floods and landslides are predicted to occur more frequently than last year in the northern region, and in upstream major rivers and minor streams in the central region and Central Highlands.
The stormy season will start later than previous years in the northern region, with flood peaks lower than average, reaching alarm level 2 (affecting agricultural production and livelihood of residents in low areas) on upstream the Hong, Hoang Long and Thai Binh Rivers, and level 3 (causing serious flooding that threatens to destroy infrastructure and livelihood of residents) in minor streams and rivers in mountainous areas.
The season will start earlier than previous years in the central region, Central Highlands, and the Mekong River area. Flood peak is predicted to reach levels 2 and 3 on rivers from Quang Binh to Binh Thuan central provinces and in the Central Highlands.
Flood peak in upstream Cuu Long River is also predicted to reach levels 2 and 3. Floods are predicted to progress faster than average in this area due to heavy rainfall upstream.
Big waves are predicted in May in the north of the East Sea due to early storms, and in southwestern waters due to early monsoons.
High tides will occur in the coastal southern areas in October, with average tidal amplitude levels.
Source: VNA