Nguyen Van Huong, head of weather forecasting at the centre, said the cold air mass is likely to shift eastward, bringing moist air, rain and chilly conditions to the northern region for about two to three days.

Temperatures in the Red River Delta and midland areas are forecast to fall below 19°C, while mountainous areas could see temperatures below 17°C, with some locations experiencing cold conditions.

The cold air mass is expected to spread southward to southern Vietnam around February 3, bringing cooler and more pleasant weather.

Another stronger cold spell is forecast to affect the country around February 10, with an increasing tendency to move further south. This cold spell could last through the Lunar New Year period in mid-February.

Meteorologists said cold air activity this season is likely to be weaker than the long-term average, but short periods of severe cold could still occur in northern and north-central regions, possibly accompanied by frost and ice in high mountainous areas.

From now until the Lunar New Year (mid-February), southern Vietnam is expected to experience cooler-than-average conditions, with at least two spells of mild chill in the early morning and late afternoon, each lasting about three to four days.

In major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, mixed fog caused by the combination of cold air and fine dust may occur, potentially worsening air pollution. Dry weather and low humidity may also increase fire risks and pose health concerns, especially for the elderly and young children.

Cold air to hit Northern Vietnam repeatedly ahead of Lunar New Year

VOV.VN - Vietnam’s northern and north-central regions are likely to face a series of cold-air surges from now until the Lunar New Year that falls in mid-February, according to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.