The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting announced that a strong cold front is moving into northern Vietnam. Expected to impact the Northeast by late afternoon and tonight, 20/1, it will then extend across the plains and Northwest, bringing showers and thunderstorms.

The cold front is forecast to bring intense cold to Bac Bo, with severe cold in some mountainous areas from 21-23/1. Lowest temperatures in Bac Bo are expected to range from 11-14 degrees Celsius, while mountainous regions could see 8-11 degrees. High mountainous areas may experience temperatures below 6 degrees Celsius, with a risk of frost.

Frost on Phia Oac peak (Cao Bang) on 6/1. Photo: Dang Khuong

US-based Accuweather forecasts that tomorrow, Hanoi's temperature will drop by about 6 degrees Celsius from today's levels, reaching 10-18 degrees, and then further decrease to 11-15 degrees. High-altitude locations above 1,500 m, such as Sa Pa in Lao Cai, are expected to see temperatures between 7-12 degrees Celsius.

Central Vietnam will also feel the impact of the cold front starting tonight. North Central Vietnam is forecast to experience minimum temperatures of 13-16 degrees Celsius. On 23/1, provinces from Ha Tinh to Da Nang, and the eastern regions of provinces from Quang Ngai to Gia Lai, are expected to receive heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Beyond the cold rain, the cold front will also bring northeast winds of level 2-3 inland, and level 3-4 along coastal areas from late afternoon tonight. In the sea, the North East Sea, including the Hoang Sa special zone, will experience winds of level 6, occasionally level 7 in the east, with gusts of level 8-9 and waves reaching 3-5 m.

Starting tonight, the Gulf of Tonkin will see winds of level 6, gusting to level 7-8, with waves 2-3 m high. From tomorrow, areas from southern Quang Tri to Khanh Hoa and the Middle East Sea will experience level 6 winds, gusting to level 7-8, and waves 2-5 m high. By tomorrow night, the sea region from Lam Dong to Ca Mau and the western part of the South East Sea, including the western waters of the Truong Sa special zone, will face winds of level 6-7, gusting to level 8-9, and waves 3-5 m high.

The meteorological agency warns that the intense and severe cold could impact public health, potentially weakening immunity and increasing the risk of disease outbreaks. It also poses a threat to livestock and poultry, potentially causing leaf burn and slowing the growth of crops.

Additionally, localized heavy rainfall may lead to flooding in low-lying areas, flash floods in small rivers and streams, and landslides on slopes. Short bursts of intense rain could also cause inundation in urban and industrial zones.

Yesterday, the National Civil Defense Steering Committee urged provinces in Bac Bo, Thanh Hoa, and Nghe An to review their response plans for the intense and severe cold. They specifically emphasized providing guidance to ensure the health of residents and students in boarding schools, and advised against using charcoal stoves for heating in enclosed rooms to prevent fatalities.

Regarding livestock, local authorities are instructing households to reinforce and shelter their pens, store feed, ensure warmth, and implement disease prevention measures for livestock and poultry. They are also providing guidance on safety measures for cultivating rice, vegetables, and other crops.

Gia Chinh