Heavy rains in central Vietnam pose flooding risks

From Friday night to Tuesday next week, central Vietnam regions would see rain levels between 100-300 mm due to cold air and high-altitude winds, the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said.

From next Tuesday, rains would expand towards the north, coming to localities from Thanh Hoa to Ha Tinh, as well as the northeastern regions, including Hanoi.

Central Highlands region and localities from Quang Tri to Binh Thuan may see floods from Saturday to Tuesday next week. The area is home to popular tourist towns Da Lat, Hue and Mui Ne.

Rough seas are also expected in certain regions of the South China Sea.

This year's winter would be warmer compared to previous years, with temperatures about 0.5-1 degrees Celsius higher. The first major cold episode (with temperatures below 15 degrees) might begin to make appearance in the latter half of December, while the coldest periods should be around January and the first half of February next year, the national forecast center said.