Flash Flooding Threatens Southern Canals as Heavy Rains Sweep Vietnam
A cold air mass moving eastward is bringing severe weather splits across Vietnam, delivering sunshine and mild temperatures to the north while triggering torrential downpours and rising floodwaters in the central and southern regions. Hanoi will see daytime sun and a high of 31 to 33 degrees Celsius on October 28, 2026, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting. Meanwhile, the southern region faces both heavy afternoon rains and high seasonal tides that threaten to push the Saigon River past alarm thresholds.
The severe weather pattern stems from a combination of incoming cold air and upper-level eastern wind disturbances. These systems have converged to create persistent, heavy rainfall across central and southern provinces.
Central Vietnam Endures Heavy Rains and Flood Warnings
The most severe weather is concentrated in central provinces, where continuous downpours have forced regional alerts. From the evening of October 27 through October 29, the area stretching from Ha Tinh to Da Nang is experiencing moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms, with rainfall totals generally ranging between 60 and 130 mm.
Some localized areas in the central sector are recording rainfall exceeding 250 mm, prompting warnings for extreme precipitation above 100 mm within a three-hour window. Neighboring areas including Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and the eastern parts of provinces from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak and Khanh Hoa are receiving scattered showers and thunderstorms ranging from 10 to 30 mm, with local totals surpassing 60 mm. Forecasters warn that these storms carry risks of tornadoes, lightning, hail, and strong gusts. Heavy downpours in the Ha Tinh to Da Nang corridor are expected to gradually ease starting the night of October 29.
Southern Tides and Rising River Levels
In the country’s southern provinces, precipitation is intensifying alongside compounding tidal pressures. The Stazione meteorologica e idrologica del Vietnam meridionale reported that rainfall will increase across the south on October 28 and 29, bringing scattered afternoon and evening showers accompanied by moderate to heavy downpours in localized spots.
This rainfall coincides with high tides during the ninth lunar month, which are pushing water levels in regional rivers and canals upward. The water level in the Saigon River is projected to exceed Alarm Level 3 by 0.04 to 0.06 meters, creating a distinct risk of inundation in low-lying areas and poor drainage points across urban streets.
Regional Forecast Breakdown for October 28, 2026
* Hanoi: Cloudy with sunny intervals during the day, and occasional showers and thunderstorms at night. Northeast winds at force 2-3. Lows of 23 to 25 degrees Celsius, with highs reaching 31 to 33 degrees Celsius.
* Northwestern Vietnam: Cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms. Light winds, with potential tornadoes, lightning, hail, and strong gusts during storms. Lows of 20 to 23 degrees Celsius (dropping below 19 degrees Celsius in select mountain areas), and highs of 29 to 32 degrees Celsius.
* Northeastern Vietnam: Cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms. Northeast winds at force 2-3. Lows of 22 to 25 degrees Celsius (below 21 degrees Celsius in mountainous terrain), and highs of 30 to 33 degrees Celsius.
* Thanh Hoa to Hue: Cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms, turning heavy in local spots. The Ha Tinh to Hue corridor faces moderate to very heavy downpours. North to northwest winds at force 2-3. Lows of 22 to 25 degrees Celsius, with highs of 27 to 30 degrees Celsius.
* South-Central Coast: Cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms, featuring heavy local rain. Da Nang faces moderate to very heavy downpours. Northeast winds at force 2-3. Lows of 23 to 26 degrees Celsius, and highs of 29 to 32 degrees Celsius.
* Central Highlands: Cloudy and sunny by day, with scattered evening and nighttime storms. Lam Dong province can expect afternoon and evening showers. Light winds. Lows of 20 to 23 degrees Celsius, and highs of 28 to 31 degrees Celsius.
* Southern Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City: Cloudy with scattered afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms. Light winds, with potential tornadoes, lightning, hail, and strong gusts during storms. Southern lows range from 23 to 26 degrees Celsius with highs of 31 to 34 degrees Celsius, while Ho Chi Minh City records lows of 25 to 27 degrees Celsius and highs of 32 to 34 degrees Celsius.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the heavy rainfall in central Vietnam expected to subside?
Forecasters anticipate that the intense downpours affecting the area between Ha Tinh and Da Nang will begin to gradually decrease starting on the night of October 29.
How high is the Saigon River expected to rise during the current tides?
The water level in the Saigon River is projected to exceed Alarm Level 3 by 0.04 to 0.06 meters due to the combination of seasonal high tides of the ninth lunar month and increased regional rainfall.
What specific hazards are associated with the thunderstorms across the country?
Meteorological advisories warn that regional thunderstorms may bring tornadoes, lightning, hail, and strong wind gusts, particularly in northern, central, and highland provinces.
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