The low-pressure system over the East Sea has intensified into a tropical depression, moving toward the water off the South Central Coast. Its center is currently northwest of the Spratly Islands, with maximum winds of level 6 (39-49 km/h), gusting to level 8, moving northwest at 5 km/h.
In the next 24-48 hours, the tropical depression is expected to maintain its intensity at level 6, gusting to level 8, as it approaches offshore areas from Binh Dinh to Ninh Thuan. The western central East Sea and the southwestern northern East Sea will experience waves of 2-3.5m and rough seas. From Phu Yen to Ninh Thuan, heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected, with wind gusts reaching level 8. From February 14, the waters from Hue to Binh Dinh may see waves of 2-3m.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has issued a directive to coastal provinces from Binh Dinh to Kien Giang, urging close monitoring of weather conditions and notifying fishermen to take precautionary measures. Local authorities must prepare rescue forces, maintain communication with vessels, and respond swiftly to emergencies. Relevant agencies are required to maintain strict duty shifts and provide regular updates on the tropical depression to ensure timely response efforts.
In the coming days, Northern Vietnam will remain humid, while unseasonal rain continues in the South.
After a few days of dry and warm weather, Hanoi and the Northern region returned to drizzle and high humidity on February 12. Temperatures remain mild as the cold air weakens. Over the next ten days, fog and light rain will persist, with mountainous areas experiencing cold to severe cold. A weak cold front will arrive on February 14, followed by another on February 16, increasing humidity and prolonging damp conditions.
In Southern Vietnam, early on February 12, Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, and several neighboring provinces experienced unseasonal rain, similar to the showers on the evening of February 11. Mr. Le Dinh Quyet, Head of the Forecasting Department at the Southern Regional Hydrometeorological Center, attributed this to a strong equatorial trough over southern waters. As a result, the region had mostly cloudy skies with intermittent sunshine during the day, while scattered showers and thunderstorms affected about one-third of the area in the evening and night, with some localized moderate rain.
Mr. Le Dinh Quyet noted that in the past 20 years (2005-2025), February rain has occurred in 12 years. The highest total February rainfall was recorded in 2006 at 72.7mm, including 66.1mm on February 10. The second highest was in 2012, with a monthly total of 68.7mm, including 46.7mm on February 17. In contrast, February rainfall was minimal in 2013 (0.1mm) and 2018 (0.2mm). In other years, totals ranged from 9 to 30mm.
Rainfall from the evening of February 11 to 7 a.m. on February 12, 2025, measured 51.4mm in Hoc Mon, 34.6mm in Nha Be, and 25.8mm in Thu Duc. These levels are within normal variation.
The Southern Regional Hydrometeorological Center predicts that this weather pattern may continue on February 12-13 and February 15-16, as weak cold air from the north interacts with disturbances from the equatorial trough. February’s total rainfall is expected to be above average.
In Central Vietnam, scattered showers will persist until February 17, with some areas experiencing moderate to heavy rain. In the North Central Coast, early morning fog will continue, with chilly conditions at night and in the morning.
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