The cold spell is forecast to last until around January 23, bringing widespread severe cold, with extreme cold conditions in some highland areas, said the national Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting.

Temperatures in the Red River Delta, including the capital city of Hanoi, are expected to fall to between 11 and 14°C. Mountainous areas will see lows of 8–11°C, while some high-altitude locations could drop below 6°C, raising the risk of frost.

The cold conditions are likely to affect public health, particularly among the elderly, children and people with underlying health conditions, and may cause damage to crops and livestock. Frost could slow crop growth and increase losses in agriculture.

Northeasterly winds associated with the cold surge are also bringing rain to central Vietnam, from Thanh Hoa to Da Nang and parts of Quang Ngai and Gia Lai provinces, with some areas experiencing moderate to heavy rainfall. Localised flooding, flash floods and landslides are possible in low-lying and mountainous areas.

Meanwhile, the Central Highlands and southern Vietnam are expected to be dry, with daytime temperatures ranging from 25–27°C in the Central Highlands and 30–32°C in the south.

Northern Vietnam may see frost as strong cold air intensifies

VOV.VN - Northern Vietnam may experience frost and ice in mountainous areas as a strong cold air mass moves south and intensifies over the coming days, according to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF).