A cold spell continued strengthening in the northern region on December 12, according to the National Hydrology Meteorology Forecast Centre.

It affected the north, north-central and central regions with mercury dropping 2-5 degrees Celsius.

Average temperatures in Hanoi and the northeast region stood at around 16-18 degrees Celsius on December 12, while mountainous areas saw drops to 10-13 degrees. The temperature in Mau Son and Sa Pa town was measured at 11 and 8 degrees Celsius, respectively.

The cold spell also brought rain to some north; north-central and central provinces and caused light fog in north–central provinces in the early morning. 

During the cold spell, rough seas and strong winds were reported in the area of Hoang Sa Island district and coastal areas from southern Binh Thuan province to Ca Mau province.

The cold weather and rain was forecast to prevail in the northern region until the end of this week as a new cold spell is predicted to hit the northern region and north-central region on Saturday, causing temperatures to drop sharply. Frost might occur in mountainous regions.

The lowest temperature at night and early morning in the midland region and Red River Delta is forecast to drop to 7-11 degrees, and below 7 degrees at mountainous areas. It is expected to last until December 22.

The weather will be extremely cold at night and early in the morning while it is dry with low humidity during daytime, creating a huge difference in temperature. Therefore, people, especially the elderly and children are advised to wear warm clothes to protect their health and authorities should plan to protect plants and animals.-VNA