A renewed wave of intensified cold air is sweeping through northern and north-central Vietnam, bringing widespread drizzle and a sharp plunge in temperatures. Forecasts suggest the cold snap, with potential frost in mountain areas, will persist through at least January 23.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, on January 21, the cold air had already impacted the northeastern region, parts of the northwest, and the north-central provinces. Scattered showers were recorded in the northeast and Thanh Hoa, with temperatures plunging by 6–9°C. The Gulf of Tonkin also saw strong northeasterly winds of level 6, with gusts reaching level 7.

Meteorological data showed that at 1:00 PM on January 21, Hanoi’s temperature dropped to 14.8°C  -  nearly 10°C lower than the previous day. In Mau Son, temperatures plummeted to 2.8°C, an 11.8°C drop. Earlier that morning, Hanoi had been at 20.3°C and Mau Son at 4.4°C.

Experts note that while this cold spell may not bring the lowest temperatures recorded in previous events, the damp conditions will make it feel colder. Mountainous and high-altitude areas are expected to experience the most severe cold.

The cold air mass is forecast to intensify further on the evening of January 21, expanding its reach to other areas in the north-central region and the northwest before moving further south into the central provinces. Inland, northeastern winds will strengthen to level 2–3, and along coastal areas to level 3–4. Between the evening of January 21 and the morning of January 22, light rain and drizzle are expected across the northeast, Lao Cai, southern Phu Tho, Thanh Hoa, and Nghe An.

Due to the intensified cold air, northern provinces and Thanh Hoa are experiencing widespread cold, with mountain areas seeing severe cold conditions. This spell is expected to persist through January 23. From Nghe An to Hue, temperatures are also falling significantly.

During this period, the lowest temperatures in northern provinces and Thanh Hoa will range from 10–13°C, with mountain areas dropping to 7–10°C and high-altitude regions potentially falling below 4°C. In Nghe An to Hue, the lows are expected to range from 14–17°C.

In Hanoi, light rain and drizzle are forecast from the evening of January 21 through the morning of January 22, with cold conditions persisting through January 23. Minimum temperatures will hover between 10–13°C.

From January 24–25, the cold air mass is expected to stabilize and gradually weaken. Hanoi will be mostly cloudy with no rain, and partial sunshine is likely during midday. Temperatures will slowly rise, with daytime highs reaching 20–22°C by January 25.

The impact of the cold front will also extend to the central provinces. From the night of January 21 through January 23, rain and thunderstorms are forecast in areas from Ha Tinh to Da Nang and in eastern parts of provinces from Quang Ngai to Gia Lai. Some areas may experience moderate to heavy rain. Thunderstorms may bring lightning, whirlwinds, and strong gusts.

In high-altitude areas of northern provinces, frost formation is a concern due to extremely low temperatures.

In the East Sea, the northern sector (including the Hoang Sa archipelago) is expected to face strong northeasterly winds of level 6–7, gusting up to level 8–9. Wave heights could reach 4–6 meters, creating rough sea conditions. In the Gulf of Tonkin, winds will reach level 6 with gusts at level 7–8 and waves rising to 2–3 meters.

The sea area from southern Quang Tri to Khanh Hoa and the central part of the East Sea will also see increasing northeasterly winds, reaching level 6 with gusts at level 7–8. Wave heights may range from 2–5 meters, resulting in rough seas.

Waters from Lam Dong to Ca Mau and the western sector of the southern East Sea (including western parts of the Truong Sa archipelago) are forecast to face winds strengthening to level 6, occasionally level 7, with gusts reaching level 8–9. Waves may rise to 3–5 meters, posing significant maritime risks.

Potential impacts of the cold spell

The meteorological agency has warned that the extended cold and severe frost conditions could affect public health. Exposure to prolonged cold and frost can reduce immunity and increase the risk of disease outbreaks, particularly among vulnerable populations. Livestock and poultry may also be at risk.

In agriculture, the cold snap and frost could cause leaf burn and slow crop growth and development.

Heavy, localized rain may lead to flash flooding in low-lying areas, cause river and stream overflow, and trigger landslides on slopes. Short bursts of heavy rainfall may also result in urban and industrial zone flooding.

Strong winds and high waves at sea could severely impact fishing vessels and other maritime economic activities.

Bao Anh