Widespread thundershowers hit Hai Phong after prolonged heatwave

Thundershowers began to appear in coastal areas of Hai Phong city at around 3 pm on July 19, reported the city Hydro-Meteorological Station. Earlier, the islands of Cat Ba and Cat Hai had already experienced heavy rain.

Rainstorms then gradually spread inland from east to west. Wind intensity reached level 5, with gusts up to levels 6 – 7, causing trees along several roads to be uprooted or have branches broken.

Forecasts estimate the total rainfall between 3 pm and 7 pm today in Hai Phong could range from 20 to 40 mm.

This afternoon’s thundershowers in Hai Phong’s coastal and inland areas were not yet caused by the circulation of Storm No. 3 (Wipha), but rather by an intensifying trough following several days of extreme heat.

Rainfall is still ongoing in many parts of Hai Phong. Specialized authorities have advised residents to stay indoors from this moment unless absolutely necessary and to proactively take safety measures to protect people and property.

The city Hydro-Meteorological Station forecasts that around the night of July 21, the circulation of Storm No. 3 will begin to directly affect both coastal and inland areas of Hai Phong, with increasing wind and rainfall intensity.

TIEN MANH