A strong cold front is forecast to sweep across northern Vietnam from the early hours of January 31, bringing rain and sharp drops in temperature. Minimums could fall to 12–15°C in lowland areas, while higher altitudes may experience temperatures below 8°C.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, a mass of cold air is currently moving south. On January 29, the northern region saw light, scattered rain with daytime highs between 22–25°C.

By early January 31, the cold air will begin affecting the northeastern region, before spreading to the northwest, north-central, and parts of central Vietnam. Northeasterly winds will strengthen to level 2–3 inland and level 3–4 along coastal areas. From the night of January 30 to January 31, rain and scattered showers are expected across northeastern and north-central provinces.

From the afternoon of January 31, temperatures in these regions will drop noticeably. The northeast and north-central areas will turn cold, while the northern mountains may see a cold snap.

Lowland areas are expected to reach lows of 12–15°C, while the northeastern highlands may drop to 9–12°C. In some high mountain areas, temperatures could fall below 8°C.

In Hanoi, light rain is forecast for the night of January 30 and morning of January 31. Cold weather will set in from the afternoon of January 31, with minimum temperatures around 13–15°C.

Further south, from February 1 to 4, the cold air will bring rain and scattered showers to areas from Quang Tri to Da Nang and the eastern parts of Quang Ngai to Gia Lai. Thunderstorms are also possible, with risks of lightning, hail, and strong gusts.

Rough seas and high winds ahead

Weather authorities also warn of hazardous sea conditions. From early January 31, the Gulf of Tonkin will experience strong northeast winds of level 5, occasionally reaching level 6 with gusts of level 7–8. Seas will be rough, with waves between 1–2 meters.

In the northeastern part of the East Sea, winds are forecast to intensify to level 6, with gusts reaching level 7–8. Wave heights will range from 2 to 4 meters.

From February 1, similar conditions are expected in the northern East Sea (including the Hoang Sa archipelago), the coastal waters from Khanh Hoa to Ca Mau, and the western section of the southern East Sea (near the western Truong Sa archipelago). Winds in these areas will strengthen to level 6, with gusts of 7–8, and waves reaching 2–4 meters.

Later on February 1, northeast winds of level 5–6 and gusts up to level 8 will affect the western waters of central East Sea and the offshore areas from southern Quang Tri to Dak Lak.

The national weather center has warned that the upcoming cold may harm livestock, poultry, and crop development. High winds and large waves also pose dangers to maritime activities and offshore operations.

Bao Anh