Traffic slows in heavy rain at the Hai Ba Trung–Ton Duc Thang intersection in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, May 2, 2026. Photo: Phuong Nhi / Tuoi Tre
The Southern Regional Hydrometeorological Center said the area is under the influence of a low-pressure trough linked to a western heat low, which has been compressed and shifted southward.
At higher altitudes, a subtropical high-pressure system is moving north, combined with upper-level wind disturbances that are triggering thunderstorms.
A thunderstorm cools the city after days of heat in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, May 2, 2026. Photo: Phuong Nhi / Tuoi Tre
Satellite and radar data showed storm clouds developing and producing rain, lightning, and thunderstorms in multiple areas, including Binh Tien, Tan My, Tan Hung, Phu Dinh, Dien Hong, Phu My, Binh Loi, Bac Tan Uyen, Phu Giao, Ngai Giao, Kim Long, Bau Lam, Hoa Hiep, and Thanh An.
The agency forecast that convective cloud systems would continue to develop in the coming hours, bringing showers and thunderstorms that could spread to nearby areas.
A sudden downpour catches commuters off guard in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, May 2, 2026. Photo: Phuong Nhi / Tuoi Tre
Rainfall is expected to range between 5 mm and 20 mm, with some locations receiving more than 50 mm.
Authorities warned of possible whirlwinds, lightning, hail, and strong winds of up to seven on the Beaufort scale during storms.
Heavy rain may also cause localized flooding in low-lying areas.
Heavy rain falls over former Binh Thanh District in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, May 2, 2026. Photo: Nhu Kha
Localized downpours could raise the risk of flash floods on small rivers and streams, as well as landslides on steep slopes, the agency said.
Despite the rainfall in the late afternoon and evening, daytime conditions remain hot and humid, typical of the seasonal transition period in southern Vietnam.
A thunderstorm cools the city after days of heat in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, May 2, 2026. Photo: Phuong Nhi / Tuoi Tre
Rainfall is recorded across Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, May 2, 2026. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre
Residents ride motorbikes in heavy rain in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, May 2, 2026. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre
Dark storm clouds gather over the skyline before rain in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, May 2, 2026. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre
Storm clouds bring heavy rain and gusty winds over Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, May 2, 2026. Photo: WD
