Heavy rains and lightning are expected to hit the northern region on late July 4, giving local residents a respite from the extremely hot weather that lasted nearly a week.

The National Centre of Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said the people should prepare for whirlwinds, hailstorm and strong winds during the downpour.

Meanwhile, the weather over the sea will be rough from southern central Binh Thuan province to southern most Ca Mau province, and in the central and southern part of the East Sea.-VNA