Experts warn that HCMC will continue to have hail

TPO - Experts say that hail appears after many days of no rain in Ho Chi Minh City, high solar radiation combined with strong convective cloud development. In the next few days, the city may still experience hail but in a smaller area.

At around 3:30 p.m. on June 14, Ho Chi Minh City experienced widespread thunderstorms. After about 15 minutes, some areas in District 1, District 3, District 4,... experienced hail and strong winds, forcing people to struggle to move in the rain.

Explaining the above phenomenon, Ms. Le Thi Xuan Lan, former Deputy Head of the Forecasting Department of the Southern Hydrometeorological Station, said that hail appeared after many days of no rain in Ho Chi Minh City, high solar radiation combined with strong convective cloud development.

Experts warn that HCMC will continue to have hailstorms photo 1

Hail appeared in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Provided by local people.

"After many days without rain, water vapor will accumulate in the thunderstorm clouds at an altitude of about 6,000 m above the ground. At the top of the high clouds, the temperature will be very low, the convective water vapor particles will combine to form large ice and then fall to the ground. Hail is only about 0.5 cm - 1 cm, not harmful to people but can cause damage to crops. Hail in the South is less than in the Northern provinces because the terrain in the South is flat. Ho Chi Minh City only has hail once every few years," Ms. Lan explained.

The meteorologist warned that in the coming days, Ho Chi Minh City and the southern provinces and cities may continue to experience hail, but in a smaller area. However, Ms. Lan believes that hail will not be as dangerous to people as thunderstorms and lightning.

According to Ms. Lan, in the coming days, Ho Chi Minh City will continue to have sunny mornings and rainy afternoons. Heavy rain and thunderstorms will appear during rush hour, limiting people's visibility. Heavy rain can cause trees to fall and water flowing rapidly at the mouth of the sewer can easily cause accidents when people are on the road.

Experts warn that HCMC will continue to have hail

People struggled to move in the rain in Ho Chi Minh City on the afternoon of June 14. Photo: Huu Huy

"When you see dark clouds, rain, wind, and thunder, people should stop and find a safe shelter, wait for the storm and lightning to pass, and then continue driving," Ms. Lan advised.

The Southern Hydrometeorological Station forecasts that from June 15 to 21, Ho Chi Minh City will have showers and thunderstorms, mainly in the afternoon and evening. Thunderstorms may include tornadoes, lightning, hail, and strong gusts of wind. Beware of the possibility of heavy rain causing localized flooding.