As of January 22, the cold surge has spread across most of the north-central region and parts of the northwest. The northeast and north-central areas are seeing scattered rain and showers, while temperatures have fallen sharply. Strong northeasterly winds are also affecting the Gulf of Tonkin, leading to rough sea conditions.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the cold air mass is expected to continue expanding across remaining parts of the north-central and northwest regions before reaching central Vietnam later on January 22. Northeasterly winds are forecast to remain moderate inland and stronger along coastal areas. Light rain is expected in the northeast, Lao Cai, southern Phu Tho, Thanh Hoa and Nghe An early on January 22.

Severe cold is forecast across northern Vietnam and Thanh Hoa, with some areas experiencing extreme cold. The cold spell is particularly intense in the northern mountainous regions and is likely to persist until around January 23. Provinces from Nghe An to Hue are set to turn colder during this period.

Minimum temperatures during this cold spell are expected to range from about 10 to 13 degrees Celsius across much of northern Vietnam and Thanh Hoa. In mountainous areas, temperatures are forecast to fall to between 7 and 10 degrees Celsius, with some high-altitude locations dropping below 4 degrees. From Nghe An to Hue, minimum temperatures are expected to range from around 14 to 17 degrees Celsius.

In Hanoi, scattered rain is forecast on the morning of January 22, while severe cold is likely to persist until around January 23. Temperatures in the capital are set to fall to between 11 and 14 degrees Celsius.

At sea, strong northeasterly winds are affecting the northern East Sea, including the Hoang Sa archipelago, bringing high waves and rough seas. Similar conditions extend to the Gulf of Tonkin and waters off central Vietnam, while seas off southern central and southern Vietnam are turning rough as winds strengthen.

From January 22 to January 23, rain and scattered thunderstorms will  affect areas from Ha Tinh to Da Nang, as well as eastern parts of provinces from Quang Ngai to Gia Lai. Localised heavy rain may occur, with thunderstorms, lightning and strong gusts.

Frost may form in high mountainous areas of northern Vietnam. Severe and extreme cold conditions may pose health risks to the public, damage livestock and poultry, and affect agricultural production. Strong winds, rough seas and localised heavy rain may also disrupt socio-economic activities and maritime operations.

Strong cold surge grips northern Vietnam, triggers widespread impact

VOV.VN - A strong cold surge has swept across the northern and north-central regions of Vietnam, plunging temperatures and triggering widespread rain, strong winds and hazardous conditions.