A damaging cold spell is forecast to hit northern Vietnam starting from the afternoon of Jan. 8th, according to the National Hydro Meteorological Forecasting Center (NHMFC).

Accordingly, temperatures in the north will range from 11 to 12 degrees Celsius while temperatures will be under 5 degrees Celsius in mountainous areas and under 10 degrees Celsius in higher mountainous areas.

The cold spell is also predicted to cause gales on the East Sea which will pose dangers to boats.

NHMFC said the Gulf of Tonkin and the northern part of the East Sea will experience rough seas, packing winds of 49kph and gusts of up to 78kph.

Coastal areas from Binh Thuan central province to Ca Mau southern-most province will experience winds of 49kph, and gusts of up to 78kph, NHMFC added.