According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, as of December 23, a mass of cold air is moving southward and is expected to impact many parts of the country in the coming days.

Specifically, around the night of December 24, the cold front will begin affecting the northeastern region, before spreading to the northern central provinces, the northwestern region, and the mid-central coast.

On land, winds will shift to the northeast at level 3, increasing to levels 4–5 along coastal areas, with gusts reaching level 6–7.

As a result of the cold front, northern and north-central provinces will experience rain, showers, and localized thunderstorms starting from the night of December 24. Thunderstorms may bring whirlwinds, lightning, hail, and strong gusts.

Simultaneously, these areas will turn cold, especially in mountainous regions. The northeast mountains in particular are expected to face harsh cold between December 25–26.

The lowest temperatures during this cold spell are expected to range from 12–15°C in northern and north-central provinces, 10–13°C in northeastern mountainous areas, and possibly below 8°C in some places.

In Hanoi, weather will turn cold from the night of December 24, with lows between 13–15°C and showers expected overnight into December 25.

Due to the influence of the cold air, from December 25, heavy rain is also forecast in areas from Quang Tri to Da Nang, the eastern parts of Quang Ngai to Dak Lak, and Khanh Hoa. Localized heavy rain and thunderstorms may occur, with risks of lightning, hail, and strong winds.

In southern Vietnam, between the evening of December 24 and 25, scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected, with some areas experiencing heavy rain. Rainfall will mostly concentrate in the late afternoon and evening.

At sea, from early morning December 25, the Gulf of Tonkin will face northeast winds of level 6–7, gusting to level 8–9, with rough seas and waves rising 2–3 meters.

In the northern East Sea, including the Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago, winds will blow at levels 7–8, gusting to level 9, with waves of 3–5 meters. From the evening and night of December 25, strong winds and rough seas are also expected from southern Quang Tri to Ca Mau and in the central East Sea.

Meteorological agencies warn that severe cold could adversely affect public health, particularly among vulnerable groups. The weather may also lead to significant damage to livestock, poultry, and crops. Localized heavy rain raises the risk of flash floods and landslides in mountainous areas, and urban flooding in low-lying areas.

Strong winds and high waves at sea pose serious hazards to vessels and maritime operations.

Bao Anh