HANOI – A new cold wave is expected to sweep across northern Vietnam starting Thursday, bringing freezing temperatures to the region. The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting has warned that temperatures in the plains will drop below 10 degrees Celsius, while mountainous areas could see temperatures plummet to under 2 degrees Celsius.

Cold Front to Impact Northern and Central Vietnam

The cold wave is initially expected to affect the eastern parts of northern Vietnam before spreading to the plains and western regions. The temperature in lowland areas will fall to between 10-13 degrees Celsius, while high-altitude areas, such as Sa Pa in Lao Cai Province, could experience even colder conditions, with temperatures dipping to 2-7 degrees Celsius. In the central region, temperatures are predicted to range between 10-18 degrees Celsius.

Hanoi and Mountainous Regions Brace for Coldest Days

AccuWeather reports that Hanoi will experience a drop of about 4°C in daytime temperatures and a 7°C decrease during the night as the cold wave intensifies over the weekend. The city’s coldest temperatures could reach as low as 8°C. In the northern mountainous regions, areas such as Sa Pa may experience the chilliest weather, with temperatures expected to range from 2-7°C, marking one of the coldest days of the season.

Authorities Urge Precautionary Measures Amid Cold Snap

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has urged authorities in northern mountainous areas to take proactive measures to mitigate the cold’s impact, particularly on vulnerable populations. Local authorities are also advising residents on protective health measures to cope with the extreme weather conditions.

Frequent Cold Waves Expected Throughout January

This marks the third cold wave to hit northern and central Vietnam since December, with the Mau Son area in Lang Son Province seeing temperatures drop as low as 3°C in the previous wave. Meteorologists predict that cold waves will become more frequent and intense throughout January, adding to the challenges posed by the winter season.

As the cold snap continues to develop, local governments are being urged to ensure public safety and protect vulnerable communities from the harsh weather. (zai)