A tropical depression currently active over the northeastern part of the northern East Sea is projected to slowly shift direction and intensify into a tropical storm within the next 24 hours.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, as of 10:00 AM today (July 4), the depression's center was located at approximately 19.8°N latitude and 118.8°E longitude. The strongest winds near the center reached level 7 (50-61 km/h), with gusts up to level 9. The system is moving slowly westward at a speed of 5-10 km/h.

Forecasts for the next 24 hours indicate that the depression will change direction, moving northwest at 5-10 km/h and potentially strengthening into a tropical storm. By 10:00 AM on July 5, the system - possibly upgraded to a storm - is expected to remain over the northeastern waters of the East Sea with wind levels of 8-9 and gusts reaching level 11.

Under the Beaufort scale, wind levels of 8-9 (61-68 km/h) with wave heights ranging from 4 to 7 meters signify storm conditions. If this intensity is confirmed, the system could be classified as the second tropical storm over the East Sea for the 2025 storm season.

In the subsequent 24 hours, the storm is expected to shift course again, moving northeastward at 5-10 km/h and potentially strengthening further. By 10:00 AM on July 6, the storm’s center is projected to remain in the northeastern East Sea with wind intensities at levels 9-10, gusting up to level 12.

From 48 to 72 hours onward, the system is likely to strengthen further while continuing its movement toward the north-northeast at approximately 20 km/h.

Despite the shifting course and potential for strengthening, experts believe the system is unlikely to make landfall in Vietnam. However, the storm or depression will still generate hazardous conditions at sea. The northeastern part of the northern East Sea is expected to experience thunderstorms, winds at levels 6-7, increasing to levels 8-9, with gusts up to level 11 and wave heights of 3-5 meters - creating very rough sea conditions.

Additionally, coastal waters from Khanh Hoa to Ca Mau will experience strong southwesterly winds at level 5, occasionally reaching level 6, with gusts up to level 7 and waves ranging from 2-3 meters, resulting in rough seas.

All vessels operating in these hazardous maritime zones are at risk of thunderstorms, squalls, strong winds, and high waves.

Bao Anh