The weather in areas across the country has recently been characterized by the changing seasons. Hot days are interspersed with sudden thunderstorms accompanied by many extreme weather patterns such as thunderstorms, hail, and thunderstorms.
Notably, according to data from the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Network, in the early morning of April 25, the radar system of this unit recorded tens of thousands of lightning strikes on land and at sea.
The reporter had an interview with Mr. Mai Van Khiem - Director of the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (Department of Hydro-Meteorology) - to clarify the extreme weather warnings in the upcoming period.
Sir, recent thunderstorms have often focused on the night and early morning. If these thunderstorms occur during the day, how dangerous can they be? Can you give a clearer warning about the level of risk of this type?
- Thunderstorms during the changing seasons are very dangerous, because they are often accompanied by strong lightning.
There are many different types of lightning such as lightning between clouds, lightning between clouds and the ground, or between clouds and other objects. The lightning strikes from the clouds to the ground is the most noteworthy and can endanger people's lives if they do not take shelter in time.
If it happens during the day, the risk is very high. Therefore, during the changing seasons, people should regularly update forecast information, warnings of heavy rain with thunderstorms, tornadoes, lightning and strong gusts of wind.
So in the coming time, is there a forecast of the risk of thunderstorms and lightning strikes appearing more often, sir?
- It is forecasted that in the coming time, from now until early May, thunderstorms accompanied by tornadoes, lightning, and hail are still likely to continue in the North. The reason is that the area continues to be affected by weak cold air waves, interacting with existing moist hot air masses.
Specifically, around April 28 - 29, there is a high possibility of another weak cold air mass appearing, continuing to cause local thunderstorms. Although these rains do not last long, their intensity is often very strong, accompanied by tornadoes, gusts of wind, and lightning, which can easily cause damage if not prevented in time.
Entering May, thunderstorms may continue to occur, especially in the northern mountainous areas, with the risk of flash floods and landslides due to local heavy rain.
With dangerous weather developments during the changing seasons, can you make necessary recommendations to the people, especially in preventing lightning strikes?
- The meteorological industry recommends that people closely monitor weather warnings, especially short-term warnings from forecasters and local authorities.
When there are unusual signs, people should seek safe shelter; absolutely do not take shelter under trees, do not stay in temporary shelters on hills or in nharves; do not near power poles or transformer stations; stay away from metal items that can store electricity and do not take shelter in groups of people standing close together.
Sincerely thank you!
