Meteorologists said the new cold air system is advancing southward and is expected to strengthen significantly, affecting large parts of northern and central Vietnam.

The cold air is forecast to begin affecting parts of northeastern Vietnam first on January 20 before intensifying and expanding across the northwestern region, as well as the north-central and central regions.

Between January 20 and 22, scattered rain is expected across northern Vietnam, as well as north-central and central provinces from Thanh Hoa to Nghe An.

Mountainous and midland areas in the north may experience severe cold between January 22 and 23, with some locations facing hazardous cold conditions.

Lowest temperatures during this cold spell are anticipated to range from 11 to 14°C in lowland areas, 8 to 11°C in mountainous regions, and below 6°C in high-altitude areas. Authorities warned that frost and ice could occur in northern mountainous areas.

In Hanoi, scattered rain is forecast from the evening of January 20 through January 22. From January 21, the capital city is set to turn cold, with minimum temperatures ranging between 12 and 14°C.

In the south-central coastal region, isolated showers are forecast at night, with sunny conditions during the day. The Central Highlands and southern Vietnam may see isolated evening and nighttime showers, with dry and sunny weather during the day. Cooler conditions are expected overnight and in the early morning in the Central Highlands.

Meteorologists said that over the next 10 days till January 28, cold air will continue to influence weather conditions across much of the country. Northern regions will remain cold, while southern areas may experience cooler nights and early mornings.

Cold spell likely to bring severe cold to northern Vietnam in coming days

VOV.VN- Northern Vietnam is expected to be affected by a strong northeast monsoon from late January 20 through January 21, bringing rain and a sharp drop in temperatures, with the risk of severe cold and extreme cold conditions in the comming days, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.