Northern Vietnam to see brief cold spell before first heatwave of 2026
VOV.VN - Northern Vietnam is set to experience a weak cold spell in the coming days before the first heatwave of 2026 arrives early next week, according to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.
Meteorologists said a weakening wind convergence zone is creating favourable conditions for a developing low-pressure system from the west, leading to rising temperatures across the northern region.
Over the next two days, temperatures are forecast to increase slightly, while thunderstorms in mountainous areas of the north will gradually subside, reducing risks of extreme weather such as tornadoes, lightning and hail.
A weak cold air mass is anticipated to affect northern Vietnam around March 27–28, bringing a slight temperature drop of about 1°C. However, the impact will be minimal and barely noticeable.
From March 30, the influence of a western low-pressure system is forecast to trigger localised heatwaves in the northwestern region and western parts of the north-central provinces, from Thanh Hoa to Hue, with temperatures ranging from 35–37°C.
By March 31, the heat is set to intensify and expand to the Red River Delta and other northern and north-central areas, with daily highs of 34–35°C and possibly higher in some locations. This will mark the first heatwave of 2026 in northern Vietnam.
Due to the seasonal transition, the diurnal temperature range is to remain significant, with differences of up to 10°C between day and night.
According to forecasts by AccuWeather, Hanoi could see temperatures reach up to 37°C on March 30–31.
From now until mid-April, cold air activity is anticipated to remain weak, while a low-pressure trough over southern China may trigger occasional thunderstorms, accompanied by strong winds, lightning and other hazardous weather in northern areas.
Meanwhile, southern Vietnam is forecast to stay largely dry, with hot conditions prevailing in the southeastern region. Temperatures will range between 33–35°C, with some areas exceeding 36°C. The hottest period of the day is expected between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
High ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels are also expected, posing health risks for prolonged outdoor exposure. Authorities advise residents, especially outdoor workers, to stay hydrated and take protective measures against heat and UV exposure.
Heat is expected to persist in southeastern Vietnam through the end of March and intensify further in April, expanding to the Mekong Delta and parts of the Central Highlands.