Vietnam has taken a major leap forward in disaster forecasting, with the official deployment of the CrayXC40 supercomputer integrated with artificial intelligence (AI) to predict storms, heavy rainfall, and flash floods at unprecedented levels of detail.
According to the National Hydro-Meteorological Service under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the CrayXC40 can perform tens of trillions of calculations per second. This enables the system to run high-resolution weather models with a grid spacing of just three kilometres — covering the entire Vietnamese mainland and the East Sea (South China Sea) within 30 to 40 minutes.
It marks the first time Vietnam has achieved forecasting capability comparable to leading meteorological centres in the region.
Faster, More Detailed Forecasts
The new system can now update quantitative rainfall maps and issue flash flood and landslide warnings for more than 3,000 communes nationwide. Forecast accuracy has significantly improved, providing local authorities with crucial lead time to plan disaster response.
“In the past, running a typhoon forecast model could take four to five hours. Now, it takes less than one,” said a representative of the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting. “That means we can provide faster, more frequent updates to support emergency management.”
Beyond traditional physical models, the system leverages AI and deep learning to identify storm patterns, analyse radar and satellite imagery, detect strong convective clouds, and predict areas of extreme rainfall one to three hours in advance. These algorithms are trained on decades of meteorological data and real-world observations.
Strengthening Early Warning Capabilities
Thanks to the supercomputer’s processing power, Vietnam’s weather forecasts can now extend up to three days, with severe weather warnings issued as early as five days in advance. The margin of error in 48-hour typhoon tracking has dropped by nearly 50%, while heavy rainfall predictions now reach around 75% accuracy.
The upgraded system also integrates data from more than 3,500 automatic rain gauges, dozens of radar stations, and satellite imagery — creating a comprehensive, real-time picture of atmospheric conditions. This capability is increasingly vital as climate change drives more extreme and unpredictable weather patterns across the region.
Digital Technology for Public Safety
Alongside the supercomputer, the meteorological sector has launched a digital early warning network that connects national and local agencies through mobile apps, SMS alerts, and online hazard maps. Residents in high-risk areas can now receive alerts six to twelve hours before severe rainfall events occur.
According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, adopting advanced technology in meteorology is not merely a technical upgrade — it is about protecting lives and property by improving preparedness and reducing disaster losses.
At a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s meteorological sector (1945–2025), the National Hydro-Meteorological Service was awarded the First-Class Labour Medal for its innovation and modernisation efforts amid increasingly severe natural disasters.
Technology as the Future of Forecasting
The integration of AI and supercomputing reflects Vietnam’s vision of building a “digital meteorology” platform — where forecasts become intelligent, real-time warnings that empower communities and decision-makers alike.
“Accurate forecasts save lives,” a senior meteorological official said. “Every minute and every hour we gain in issuing warnings can prevent huge economic losses and protect thousands of people.”
