April is the transitional season in the North and Central regions with many obvious weather changes; notably, the appearance of extreme phenomena. The reporter had an interview with Mr. Nguyen Huu Thanh - Deputy Head of Weather Forecast Department, National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.
Sir, in the past month, there have been many thunderstorms and hail in the provinces of Son La, Lai Chau, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An. So what is the cause of the hail and thunderstorms during this period in the North and Central regions?
- Rocks and thunderstorms often appear due to weather patterns that cause strong disturbances in the atmosphere. Some key situations that can cause this phenomenon are when cold air flows down and the overwhelming hot and humid air creates strong contact, leading to thunderstorms, lightning and hail.
Another situation is high-altitude wind convergence (such as at 5,000m). The air was suddenly pushed up, causing thunderstorms to develop strongly. If the temperature in the upper atmosphere is cold enough, the water particles freeze and fall down, creating hail.
According to our statistics, weather patterns still appear and operate accordingly according to the time of year. In addition to the weather patterns appearing in a certain area, there may also be hail in combination with the weather conditions of each locality.
From the night of April 22, a weak cold air mass will flow in, causing showers and thunderstorms in the North, from Thanh Hoa to Phu Yen. People also need to be on guard against dangerous phenomena that come with thunderstorms.
He can tell us the peak period of hail in the North and Central regions. Is it forecasted that this year the frequency and scope of hail will be higher than in previous years?
- ice in the North and Central regions often appears during the transitional months from mid-summer to winter (from September to November) and from late winter to summer (from late February to May). At this time, there will be a conflict between cold air and hot air.
According to our assessment, the phenomenon of thunderstorms, lightning and hail in this year as well as in the coming years tends to appear more than average.
What recommendations do you have to recognize and prevent hail?
- ice and rain are dangerous weather phenomena, which can cause property damage and cause unsafety to people. Signs that can recognize hail are when there are unusual changes in the weather. The weather was sunny but suddenly turned dark, with strong winds and thunderstorms.
Rapid temperature drops are also a sign. Before the hail, the air usually cools down.
Some ways to prevent hail are like when outdoors, people need to find a safe shelter. If you are driving, reduce speed, stop at the roadside, stay away from trees and signs that may fall.
When traveling on the road, wear a helmet and cover your head with hard objects if you cannot find shelter immediately.
When inside the house, people need to close windows and front doors tightly to avoid the wind from breaking the glass. Avoid standing near the glass door because falling rocks can break the glass, causing damage. Also, check the roof and reinforce if necessary to minimize damage.
Regarding production activities, it is necessary to cover crops with nets or thick tarps to reduce the impact of hail; bring livestock to safe shelters to avoid injury.
Sincerely thank you!
