The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting announced that a cold air mass is currently moving and is expected to reach the Northeast region by the morning of 31/1. It will then expand to the plains and Northwest region.

From the afternoon of 31/1, minimum temperatures across Northern Vietnam are forecast to be 12-15 degrees Celsius, with the Northeast mountains seeing 9-12 degrees Celsius, and some high mountainous areas experiencing lows below 8 degrees Celsius.

Residents in suburban Ha Noi lit fires to keep warm during a cold spell from 22-24/1. Photo: Gia Chinh

US-based Accuweather forecasts temperatures in Ha Noi to be 18-25 degrees Celsius over the next two days, dropping to 16-19 degrees Celsius by the weekend. High-altitude areas above 1,500 meters, such as Sa Pa (Lao Cai), will experience the lowest temperatures during this period, ranging from 9-13 degrees Celsius.

In addition to the temperature drop, the cold front will bring northeast winds of level 2-3 inland and level 3-4 along coastal areas. From early morning on 31/1, the Gulf of Tonkin will experience winds of level 5-6, with gusts up to level 7-8. Starting 1/2, the northern East Sea (including Hoang Sa archipelago), the waters from Khanh Hoa to Ca Mau, and the western part of the southern East Sea (western Truong Sa archipelago) will see strong northeast winds of level 6, with gusts up to level 7-8, and waves 2-4 meters high.

From 1/2 until the morning of 4/2, thunderstorms are forecast for areas from Quang Tri to Da Nang and the eastern parts of provinces from Quang Ngai to Gia Lai.

The meteorological agency warns of potential whirlwinds, lightning, hail, and strong gusts during these thunderstorms. The cold weather may impact livestock, poultry, and crop growth. Strong winds and high waves are expected to affect maritime activities and vessels at sea.

Gia Chinh

>>See detailed 7-day temperature forecast here.