Northern Vietnam is forecast to experience improving weather conditions with less cloud and fog, while the central region prepares for widespread heat. This shift is primarily driven by a western low-pressure system, which will extend its influence across both northern and central parts of the country from mid-next week. This system is expected to bring localized heatwaves to certain areas by the weekend, potentially escalating to widespread heat in the central and southern regions by the end of March.

For about one week, northern Vietnam has been affected by a wind convergence zone at 5,000 meters and a weakening cold air mass, resulting in cloudy skies and rain. The midlands and mountainous areas saw thunderstorms, while the plains and coastal regions experienced light rain and fog. The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) announced these specific conditions are expected to persist until tomorrow. In the plains, early mornings will continue to be foggy with localized rain, though clouds will gradually thin by noon and afternoon, potentially allowing for sunny spells. Daytime temperatures are generally forecast to be 24-27 degrees Celsius, with the northwestern region, less impacted, reaching 30-31 degrees Celsius.

Northern Vietnam will turn sunny from mid-next week. *Photo: Giang Huy*

From approximately 24/3, the cold air mass will continue to weaken, allowing the western low-pressure area to redevelop. This shift will bring cloudy nights and mornings but sunny days to northern Vietnam, with temperatures gradually rising. By the weekend, the northwestern region could experience localized heatwaves, with daily high temperatures reaching 35 degrees Celsius. US-based Accuweather forecasts Hanoi's temperatures next week to range from 22-30 degrees Celsius. High-altitude areas above 1,500 meters, such as Sapa (Lao Cai), will see 14-24 degrees Celsius early in the week, with maximum temperatures later increasing to 26 degrees Celsius.

Central Vietnam's weather is expected to be relatively stable initially. The area from Thanh Hoa to Hue will experience light fog, with clouds clearing by noon and afternoon, leading to sunny skies. Temperatures will generally be 26-29 degrees Celsius, with some locations in Hue reaching around 30 degrees Celsius. The South Central Coast will primarily be dry and sunny but not excessively intense, with temperatures around 28-31 degrees Celsius. However, from mid-week, the expanding western low-pressure area will cause temperatures in central Vietnam to rise significantly, bringing localized heatwaves that could become widespread by the end of March.

The southern region and the Central Highlands are currently in their dry season, so the weather will remain largely unchanged, generally dry with little rain. In the late afternoon and evening, the southwestern region may experience localized thunderstorms. Maximum temperatures in the Central Highlands will be approximately 28-31 degrees Celsius. Localized heatwaves will also persist in the eastern part of the southern region, with daytime temperatures generally around 35 degrees Celsius, leading to stifling conditions. By the end of the month, this area is likely to experience widespread heat.

Gia Chinh