Although the current air mass is not strong enough to cause a significant drop in temperature, its moist, easterly characteristics are set to bring overcast skies, light rain, drizzle and fog, particularly during nights and early mornings, the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) said.

Under this pattern, conditions across the north will be damp and uncomfortable rather than sharply cold. Residents in urban centres such as Hanoi are forecast to experience high humidity and light mist, with temperatures ranging between 17°C and 22°C. The Northeastern region will also see intermittent drizzle and fog patches, especially in the early hours.

In contrast, the Northwestern region may see improving conditions by midday on February 12, with clouds breaking and periods of sunshine pushing daytime highs up to around 26°C in some areas.

NCHMF experts said that this drizzly, foggy pattern is likely to persist for several days ahead, extending through much of the lead-up to Lunar New Year (Tet). From February 11 to 20, scattered light rain and foggy mornings are expected across the north, with cool starts to the day but occasional sunshine by afternoon.

Despite this, the overall Tet holiday forecast remains relatively mild for the Northern region. Weather models currently do not show signs of a major new cold front during the main holiday period, lasting from February 14-20, although additional weak cold air may bring localized drizzle around February 18–20.

Most notably, around February 21-22 (the fifth to sixth days of the Lunar New Year holiday), Northern Vietnam is likely to experience a renewed surge of cold air that could cause temperatures to drop sharply again. Such “late-season” cold spells have become relatively common in recent years and often coincide with the end of the Tet holiday period, when many people prepare to return to work and travel back to major cities.

Across the rest of the country, central Vietnam is expected to see scattered rainfall and cool nights, while southern and highland regions will be warmer and, in places, see isolated showers or thunderstorms typical of the season.

Cold air surge brings rain and rarely harsh chill to Northern Vietnam

VOV.VN - A strengthened cold air mass swept across northern Vietnam and the North Central region on February 8, bringing widespread rain, strong winds and a spell of unusually biting cold, meteorological authorities said.