A strong cold air mass is set to affect northern Vietnam, beginning with the Northeastern region from midday and afternoon today. By this evening, the cold air will intensify further, extending its influence to the plains and Northwestern region, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.

On 8/2 and 9/2, northern Vietnam will experience severe cold, with some mountainous areas facing extreme cold. Minimum temperatures are forecast to be 10-13 degrees Celsius in the plains and midlands, 7-10 degrees Celsius in mountainous areas, and below 3 degrees Celsius in some high mountainous regions, with a possibility of frost and snow.

Accuweather's forecast indicates that Hanoi's temperatures today will range from 14-23 degrees Celsius, dropping to about 12-16 degrees Celsius tomorrow. In high-altitude areas above 1,500 meters, such as Sa Pa, minimum temperatures on 8/2 are expected to be 6-12 degrees Celsius.

Tourists pose with frost in Mau Son in late 1/2026. *Photo: Trinh Quoc*

The cold air mass will also impact central Vietnam from the evening of 8/2, focusing on the North Central and South Central regions. Minimum temperatures in the North Central region are generally 12-15 degrees Celsius. From tonight until 9/2, areas from Ha Tinh to Da Nang and the eastern parts of Quang Ngai to Gia Lai provinces may experience thunderstorms.

On land, northeast winds will be at level 3, reaching level 3-4 in coastal areas. In the Gulf of Tonkin, winds will be level 5-6, increasing to level 6-7 from the night of 8/2, with gusts of level 8-9 and waves 2-3 meters high. In the Northern East Sea, including the Hoang Sa archipelago, winds will be level 6-8, with gusts of level 9-10 and waves 4-6 meters high.

The sea area from southern Quang Tri to Dak Lak will experience level 6 winds, gusting to level 7-8, with waves 2-4 meters high. From 8/2, the sea area from Khanh Hoa to Ca Mau, the central East Sea, and the southwestern East Sea, including the western part of the Truong Sa archipelago, will have level 6-7 winds, gusting to level 8-9, with waves 3-5 meters high.

In response to the severe and extreme cold, the National Steering Committee for Civil Defense has instructed localities in northern Vietnam and Thanh Hoa to closely monitor the cold air mass developments and promptly inform local authorities and residents. Localities are urged to review response plans and enhance guidance on protecting the health of residents and students, especially in boarding schools, and advise against using charcoal stoves for heating in enclosed spaces to prevent accidents.

The Steering Committee also called on localities to educate and guide livestock farmers on strengthening and covering their barns; stocking up on feed, keeping animals warm, and preventing diseases in livestock and poultry. They must also implement measures to ensure the safety of rice, vegetable, and other crop production.