A strong cold front is sweeping across northern Vietnam, potentially dropping temperatures to below three degrees Celsius in high mountainous areas, with extreme weather expected to persist until Monday, according to the National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting.

The cold air mass has affected the northern region since Friday morning, gradually spreading northwest before moving southward into central Vietnam, exacerbating the already chilly conditions experienced in recent days. 

Inland areas are experiencing intensified northeasterly winds at 28 kph, while coastal regions are seeing gusts of up to 49 kph.

Northern Vietnam is experiencing a severe cold, with temperatures ranging from nine to 12 degrees Celsius, dropping to 5-8 degrees Celsius in mountainous areas. In high-altitude regions, temperatures may fall below three degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, the north-central region will see temperatures between 11 and 14 degrees Celsius, and areas from Quang Binh to Hue will range between 14 and 16 degrees Celsius.

The intense cold spell, combined with a westerly jet stream, is bringing scattered rain to northern Vietnam and Thanh Hoa Province in the north-central region.

Snow and frost may appear in high mountainous areas. Central Vietnam, from Nghe An to Khanh Hoa, is expected to have showers, with some areas experiencing heavy rain and thunderstorms.

The extreme cold, along with snow and frost, poses significant risks to livestock, poultry, and crops.

Heavy rain, strong winds, lightning, and whirlwinds may cause damage to agricultural production, infrastructure, and housing.

Low-lying areas face a risk of flooding, while flash floods and landslides may occur on slopes.

In contrast, the Central Highlands and southern Vietnam will remain dry, with sunny days and no rain at night. However, nights and early mornings will be cold to chilly.

Maritime regions, including the Gulf of Tonkin and the northern East Vietnam Sea – where Vietnam’s Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago is located – will experience strong winds reaching 61 kph, with gusts up to 102 kph. Rough seas are expected with waves reaching 2-7 meters in height.

From Friday afternoon, the coastal areas from north-central Quang Tri to southernmost Ca Mau Province, as well as the central and southwestern East Vietnam Sea – including waters around Vietnam’s Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago – will face similar conditions, with strong winds, rough seas, and waves between four and six meters high. These hazardous conditions may impact boat operations and other maritime activities.

Residents are advised to stay updated on the latest weather forecasts and take necessary precautions to protect themselves, their property, and agricultural activities from the harsh weather condition.

On Friday, northern Vietnam will be cloudy with light rain, and cold weather will persist, with temperatures ranging from six to 18 degrees Celsius.

From Thanh Hoa to Hue in the central region, it will be cloudy with scattered showers, and some areas may experience heavy rain and thunderstorms. It will be cold in the morning and at night, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius.

Warmer weather, with temperatures between 19 and 30 degrees Celsius, is expected in the area from Da Nang to Binh Thuan, also in the central region.

Skies will be partly cloudy with scattered showers, and some areas may experience heavy rain and thunderstorms.

In the Central Highlands, it will be partly cloudy with sunshine during the day. It will be cold in the morning and at night, with temperatures ranging from 14 to 29 degrees Celsius.

In southern Vietnam, mercury will range from 21 to 33 degrees Celsius, with partly cloudy skies and sunshine during the day.

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