On November 14, meteorological experts confirmed a powerful cold front moving south, bringing with it strong northeasterly winds over the Gulf of Tonkin at levels 7 to 8, gusting up to level 9. Waves in the area are expected to reach heights of 3–5 meters. Meanwhile, the northern East Sea will see even stronger gusts up to level 10, with 4–6 meter waves. From Quang Tri to Quang Ngai, coastal waters are forecasted to experience level 6–7 winds, gusting to levels 8–9, with waves up to 6 meters high.

In the North and northern Central provinces such as Thanh Hoa and Nghe An, rainfall is expected from November 17–18 due to the cold front. After that, the skies will clear, and temperatures will plunge. Nighttime lows will hover around 12–15°C, with some high-altitude areas falling below 10°C. During the day, dry, sunny, and crisp conditions are expected.

"In contrast to the northern chill, provinces from Ha Tinh to Khanh Hoa will see widespread moderate to heavy rain, with totals ranging from 100 to 300mm," a meteorological expert noted. "The heaviest rainfall will occur from Hue to Gia Lai, where totals may reach 250 to 500mm, and locally over 600mm."

Hanoi weather plunges deep into winter conditions

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting confirmed that, as of November 14, a strong cold air mass is descending from the North.

By November 17, this cold front will affect the northeastern and north-central regions first, then move into the northwest and central-central regions. Northeasterly winds over land will range from levels 3–4, and level 4–5 in coastal areas.

Scattered rain is forecasted in the North from November 17–18. From the night of November 17, both northern and north-central regions will turn cold, with high-altitude areas likely to see frost. Nighttime lows are expected between 12–15°C, with mountainous areas dipping below 10°C.

In Hanoi, temperatures are forecasted to drop to 13–15°C starting the night of November 17.

Central Vietnam braces for prolonged downpours

As the cold front combines with disturbances in the upper easterly wind belt, central provinces from Ha Tinh to Khanh Hoa will experience prolonged heavy rainfall.

From the night of November 15 to 16, areas from southern Quang Tri to Da Nang, eastern Quang Ngai to Dak Lak, and Khanh Hoa will receive 60–120mm of rain, with localized areas exceeding 200mm.

Northern Quang Tri to Ha Tinh will receive 40–70mm of rainfall, while western parts of Quang Ngai to Dak Lak will see 20–40mm, locally surpassing 100mm.

There is a warning for potential extreme rainfall intensity (>150mm in 3 hours).

From November 16 to 18, Hue, Da Nang, eastern Quang Ngai, and Gia Lai may see 250–500mm of rainfall, with some areas surpassing 600mm.

Ha Tinh to Quang Tri, eastern Dak Lak, and Khanh Hoa are forecasted to receive 100–300mm, locally above 400mm. Western areas from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak may see 50–100mm, with peaks over 150mm.

Total rainfall for the period of November 15–18 is projected as follows:

Hue, Da Nang, eastern Quang Ngai, and Gia Lai: 300–600mm, locally above 800mm.
Ha Tinh to Quang Tri, eastern Dak Lak, and Khanh Hoa: 150–350mm, locally above 500mm.
Western Quang Ngai to Dak Lak: 70–150mm.

From November 19, heavy rainfall will likely persist in Da Nang and areas from Quang Ngai to Khanh Hoa.

In the South, moderate rain and thunderstorms are forecasted from November 16–18, with localized heavy rainfall of 50–100mm, and some places exceeding 150mm.

Disaster risk alert for rain, lightning, hail, and whirlwinds in Hue, Da Nang, eastern Quang Ngai, and Gia Lai is at level 2.

Heavy rain may lead to flooding in low-lying urban and industrial zones, flash floods in small rivers and streams, and landslides in mountainous regions. Cold weather also poses a threat to livestock and crop growth.

Central rivers on flood watch

As of November 14, water levels on rivers from Quang Tri to Dak Lak remain volatile.

From November 16–20, a new flooding event is expected across rivers in this region. Peak flood levels are forecasted to reach warning levels 2–3 on rivers such as the Bo and Huong (Hue), Vu Gia–Thu Bon (Da Nang), Tra Khuc and Ve (Quang Ngai), Se San, Kon, and upper Ba (Gia Lai), and lower Ba and Ky Lo (Dak Lak). Some rivers may exceed level 3.

Other rivers, including An Lao, Kien Giang, and Thach Han (Quang Tri), Lai Giang (Gia Lai), and Krong Ana and Srepok (Dak Lak), are expected to reach levels 1–2, and possibly above level 2.

Authorities warn of possible severe flooding in riverside urban and rural areas across provinces from Quang Tri to Dak Lak. Flash floods and landslides are likely in mountainous and hilly terrains.

Bao Anh