A wave of cold air has begun affecting many areas in northern Vietnam and the north-central region and will continue moving deeper into central Vietnam. From the night of March 9 to March 10, northern Vietnam will turn chilly and rainfall is expected to decrease quickly.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, as of March 9 the cold air mass had already influenced most parts of the northeastern region. Across northern Vietnam, rain and scattered showers have been reported, with some places experiencing moderate rain and thunderstorms. Temperatures in the northeastern region have dropped by about 3 to 4 degrees Celsius.

Forecasts indicate that this evening and tonight the cold air will continue spreading to other parts of the northeastern region, the north-central region and most areas of the northwest before moving further into central Vietnam.

On land, northeast winds are blowing at level 2 to 3, increasing to level 3 to 4 in coastal areas. From the evening and night of March 9 to March 10, northern Vietnam and Thanh Hoa province will turn chilly. The lowest temperatures during this cold spell are expected to range between 14 and 17 degrees Celsius, with mountainous areas possibly dropping below 13 degrees.

In Hanoi, scattered showers and thunderstorms may still occur during the late afternoon and evening of March 9. From the night of March 9 to March 10, the weather will turn chilly with the lowest temperatures expected to range from 15 to 17 degrees Celsius during this cold wave.

Meteorological experts noted that this cold air mass is not moving eastward, meaning rainfall could decrease very quickly. Rain may only persist tonight in parts of the northwest as well as Hung Yen, Ninh Binh and Hai Phong, while other areas are already drying rapidly. From tomorrow, March 10, northern Vietnam may see warm sunshine.

While northern regions gradually become drier, central Vietnam is expected to remain damp in the coming days. Rainfall coverage tonight and tomorrow will be widest, stretching from Thanh Hoa to Khanh Hoa, with some areas experiencing heavy rain.

Specifically, from the evening of March 9 to March 10, areas from Ha Tinh to eastern Gia Lai will continue to see showers, moderate rain and scattered thunderstorms. Rainfall totals are forecast at 20 to 40mm within 24 hours, with some locations exceeding 70mm.

During thunderstorms, dangerous weather phenomena such as whirlwinds, lightning, hail and strong gusts may occur.

Meteorological authorities warned that thunderstorms and localized heavy rain could trigger flash floods on small rivers and streams, landslides on steep slopes and flooding in low-lying areas. These conditions may also affect traffic, daily life and production activities in several localities.

At sea, strong winds and large waves are expected to create hazardous conditions.

In the Gulf of Tonkin, northeast winds will strengthen to level 6 with gusts up to level 7 to 8, producing rough seas and waves 2 to 3.5 meters high. In the northern part of the East Sea, including the Hoang Sa special zone, northeast winds may reach level 6 to 7 with gusts up to level 8 to 9 and waves from 3 to 5 meters, creating very rough seas.

Waters from southern Quang Tri to Dak Lak will see northeast winds gradually strengthening to level 5, occasionally reaching level 6 with gusts up to level 7 to 8 and waves from 2 to 4 meters.

Meanwhile, the sea area from Khanh Hoa to Vinh Long will experience increasing winds at level 6, sometimes level 7 with gusts up to level 8 to 9 and waves between 2 and 4 meters, causing rough sea conditions.

Authorities advise residents to closely monitor weather developments and prepare preventive measures to ensure safety for people and property.

Bao Anh