Hanoi is set to face heavy rain this afternoon, with forecasts indicating that many areas will experience intense downpours. According to the national meteorological center, the rain is expected to begin within the next hour, with warnings issued for thunderstorms, strong winds, and lightning.

As of 1 PM on August 19, a tropical depression located in the northwestern part of the South China Sea is moving slowly towards Hainan Island in China. The depression has maximum winds of 39-49 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 8. It is currently moving west-northwest at a speed of 5-10 km/h.

Over the next 24 to 48 hours, the tropical depression is expected to continue its slow movement in a west-northwest direction at approximately 5 km/h. Meteorological authorities predict that the depression will remain active in the northern South China Sea for the next 72 hours.

Due to the influence of the tropical depression, the northwestern waters of the South China Sea are expected to experience strong winds of levels 6-7, gusts of level 9, and waves reaching heights of 2-4 meters, leading to rough seas. Authorities have warned that vessels operating in these dangerous areas may be affected by thunderstorms, strong winds, and large waves.

Maritime operators are advised to stay updated on the developments of the tropical depression and take precautions against hazardous weather conditions. Satellite images, lightning location data, and weather radar indicate that convective clouds have developed over several districts in Hanoi, including Trung Giã, Liên Minh, Hát Môn, Phúc Thọ, and others.

The meteorological center forecasts that heavy rain will continue across most districts of Hanoi until around 4 PM today, with a significant risk of thunderstorms and strong winds during the downpours.