Hanoi (VNA) - The El Nino phenomenon is highly likely to occur late this year,causing unpredictable storms during the second half of the rainy season in theautumn months, the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said.

Some 13-15 storms and tropical depressions will occur during the rainy season, withthree to four expected to directly affect the central provinces’ mainland, saidHoang Duc Cuong, director of the centre.

The rainy season will start late and be short in the northern region, he said.

Rainfall in this area will be 10-30 percent less than previous annual averagesin May, September and October.

Rainfall in the central region will be 15-30 percent less than previous years’average in September and October.

The rainy season will also start late in the Central Highlands and the southernregion. Rainfall will be 30 percent higher than previous years’ average fromMay to August, but 30 percent less than average in October.

The average temperature will be higher than previous years from May to Octoberin the north, but will not last long and not cause harsh summer heat.  

Thunderstorms, cyclones and hail are likely during the transition periodbetween seasons (April-May) in the midlands, mountainous northern regions,north central region, Central Highlands, and southern region.

Floods and landslides are predicted to occur more frequently than last year inthe northern region, and in upstream major rivers and minor streams in thecentral region and Central Highlands.

The stormy season will start later than previous years in the northern region,with flood peaks lower than average, reaching alarm level 2 (affectingagricultural production and livelihood of residents in low areas) on upstreamthe Hong, Hoang Long and Thai Binh Rivers, and level 3 (causing seriousflooding that threatens to destroy infrastructure and livelihood of residents)in minor streams and rivers in mountainous areas.  

The season will start earlier than previous years in the central region,Central Highlands, and the Mekong River area. Flood peak is predicted to reachlevels 2 and 3 on rivers from Quang Binh to Binh Thuan central provinces and inthe Central Highlands.

Flood peak in upstream Cuu Long River is also predicted to reach levels 2 and3. Floods are predicted to progress faster than average in this area due toheavy rainfall upstream.

Big waves are predicted in May in the north of the East Sea due to earlystorms, and in southwestern waters due to early monsoons.

High tides will occur in the coastal southern areas in October, with averagetidal amplitude levels.-VNA