Intense cold is predicted to linger in the northern and north central regions for the next few days while whirlwinds, lightning, and strong gusts of wind are possible in the south central, Central Highlands, and southern regions.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has asked ministries and localities to keep a close watch on weather developments and take measures to deal with the consequences of downpours, whirlwinds, lightning and hail.
Lightning killed one person in Lao Cai after thunderstorm and hails hit the northern mountainous province from the evening of March 24 until in the early morning of the next day.
Floods following downpours, along with gale and lightning, killed four and caused heavy losses in many central localities from October 14 to 16, according to the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control.
Northern localities are forecast to suffer heavy rains beginning on May 27 night, with rainfall expected to reach 200mm within a 24-hour period in some provinces, according to the National Hydro-Meteorological Forecast Centre.
Lightning has damaged the 22KV power transmission line that provides electricity for Co To island district and five communes of Van Don island district in the northern coastal province of Quang Ninh, disrupting electricity supply for the islands for days.
The team LH-Lightning from Lac Hong University in Dong Nai became champion of the 2017 Robocon Vietnam after a dramatic finale in northern Ninh Binh province on May 14.
Two people were killed and three others injured as they were hit by thunderstorm and lightning in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai on August 2.
Fatal lightning killed two and injured four people who were travelling by road in Minh Thanh ward, Quang Yen town in the northern coastal province of Quang Ninh on June 9.
Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue has expressed hope that Australian investors will further increase their direct and indirect investment in Vietnam.