Weather on Sept. 5: Clear opening ceremonies nationwide, heavy rain expected later

The weather should cooperate with school-opening ceremonies across Vietnam on the morning of Sept. 5, with mostly dry conditions and only isolated light rain. By afternoon and evening, however, showers and thunderstorms are expected to return, including heavy rain in several areas.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said scattered showers and thunderstorms would affect the Central Highlands and southeastern Vietnam, with rainfall generally reaching 10 to 30 millimeters and locally exceeding 70 millimeters. Rain is expected mainly in the afternoon and evening.

From southern Quang Tri province to Da Nang, and across eastern parts of Quang Ngai and Dak Lak provinces, rainfall is forecast at 15 to 30 millimeters, with some places receiving more than 80 millimeters. Thunderstorms could bring whirlwinds, lightning, hail and strong gusts. Localized heavy rain may trigger flash floods on small rivers and streams, landslides on steep slopes and flooding in low-lying areas.

Other parts of the country should see sunshine during the day followed by thunderstorms in the late afternoon or evening. Hanoi is forecast to reach 34-36°C, while the northern and northwestern regions could see highs of 32-36°C. Temperatures in the Central Highlands are expected to range from 20-28°C. Southern Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City, should reach 31-34°C, with heavy rain possible later in the day.