Typhoon Mekkhala intensifies rapidly, no immediate threat to Vietnam
VOV.VN - Typhoon Mekkhala has undergone rapid intensification over the Northwest Pacific over the past 24 hours, but weather forecasters said the typhoon is unlikely to enter the East Sea or directly affect Vietnam.
Mai Van Khiem, director of the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, reported on June 22 that the typhoon’s centre was located about 550 kilometers east of Luzon Island in the Philippines, with maximum sustained winds near the eye reaching 150–166kph, with gusts up to 220kph.
Satellite imagery showed a well-defined eye and a circulation system spanning several hundred kilometers, while the main cloud mass remained displaced toward the southwest of the storm centre.
According to forecasts, Mekkhala is expected to continue moving west-northwest at approximately 20kph over the next 24 hours and could strengthen further. Afterward, it is forecast to gradually turn northward and then northeastward toward waters south of Japan before weakening.
Based on current forecast models, the typhoon is not expected to enter the East Sea. Nevertheless, Vietnamese forecasters said they would continue closely monitoring its development because powerful tropical systems can sometimes experience changes in track and intensity.
Regarding the 2026 storm season, the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said ongoing El Niño conditions are projected to reduce the number of tropical cyclones forming over the East Sea compared with long-term averages.
Forecasters expected approximately eight to ten tropical storms and tropical depressions to develop in the East Sea this year, with three to five systems potentially affecting Vietnam directly.
Storm activity is forecast to peak between July and September in Northern Vietnam and between October and November in Central Vietnam. Southern Vietnam could also experience impacts from tropical systems later in the year.
Despite expectations of below-average storm activity, meteorologists warned that fewer storms do not necessarily translate into lower disaster risks.
Although El Niño years typically see fewer tropical cyclones affecting Vietnam, extremely powerful storms capable of causing severe damage can still occur, the weather agency warned.
Localities and residents have been advised to stay vigilant and continue preparations for the upcoming peak storm season.
Northern Vietnam sees hottest days of June before thunderstorms bring relief
VOV.VN - Northern Vietnam is expected to experience the most intense phase of its current heatwave on June 23-24, before thunderstorms bring cooler conditions later in the week, according to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF).
