The northern and north-central regions of Vietnam are bracing for an extreme cold snap caused by the arrival of a cold front which also brings chances of frost to upland territories.

An intense cold front is heading southward toward northern Vietnam, said the National Center for Hydro-meteorology Forecasting on Sunday.

It will hit mountainous areas in the north on Monday before reaching the northern flatlands and central provinces.

In the wake of the cold snap, northeast provinces will see chances of rain from the daytime of Sunday, while central provinces may see heavy rain during the night.

Temperatures in the northern region will drop significantly on Sunday, while the arrival of the first severe cold wave in this year’s winter is expected on Tuesday.

The mercury is projected to plummet to as low as 11 degrees Celsius in lowland areas, which may drop to five in several highland spots, with chances of frost ensuing.

Of all provinces in the north, Cao Bang, Bac Kan, Lang Son, Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang, and Lao Cai are told to brace for the most intense chills this time.

Meanwhile, Hanoi will see showers and temperatures drop starting Monday, with severely cold weather to follow on Tuesday. The average temperature is forecast to swing between 11 and 13 degrees Celsius.

Also starting from Monday, northern winds of level three inland and level 4-5 in coastal areas will arise.

On the Gulf of Tonkin, northeast monsoon gusts will blow at as strong as level eight, enkindling sea waves of three meters tall.

On the basis of the weather reports, the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control requires local authorities to prepare measures to ensure safety for people, especially the elderly, children, and students, to minimize losses of agricultural production, particularly on large-scale livestock enterprises in remote areas.

Local authorities are also told to form task forces to ensure cold-resistant measures for the populace and livestock.

They are also advised to shutter school temporarily depending on weather developments.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!