Ahead of the cold surge, northern Vietnam is seeing isolated light rain, with temperatures at 1 p.m. ranging from 23 to 27 degrees Celsius, and exceeding 27 degrees Celsius in some areas.

From the evening and night of December 24, the cold air is expected to first affect the Northeast, before spreading to the North Central, Northwest and Central Central regions. Winds will shift to northeasterly at level 3, strengthening to level 4-5 in coastal areas, with gusts reaching level 6-7 (approximately 50-61 km/h).

Between the evening of December 24 and December 25, the North and North Central regions are forecast to experience rain and showers, with isolated thunderstorms. From the night of December 24, temperatures will drop across a wide area, bringing cold conditions. Mountainous areas in the North will see severe cold, with some locations experiencing extreme cold.

In Hanoi, rain and showers are forecast for the night of December 24 and throughout December 25, with colder weather setting in from the night of December 24.

From the evening and night of December 24, northeasterly winds in the Gulf of Tonkin will strengthen to level 6-7 (39-61 km/h), with gusts reaching level 8-9 (62-88 km/h), causing rough seas and wave heights of 2.5-3.5 meters.

In the northern part of the East Sea, including the Hoang Sa archipelago, northeasterly winds will reach level 7, occasionally level 8 (50-74 km/h), with gusts up to level 9 (75-88 km/h). Seas will be very rough, with waves ranging from 3.0 to 5.0 meters.

From the evening and night of December 25, waters from southern Quang Tri to Ca Mau, as well as the central part of the East Sea, will see northeasterly winds strengthening to level 6, at times level 7 (39-61 km/h), with gusts reaching level 8-9 (62-88 km/h). Waves are likely to reach heights of 3.0–5.0 meters.

From December 25 through December 26, areas from Ha Tinh to Da Nang, the eastern parts of provinces from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak, and Khanh Hoa are expected to see rain, moderate rainfall, and localized heavy downpours accompanied by thunderstorms.

Heavy rainfall may cause flooding in low-lying areas, urban zones and industrial parks, while increasing the risk of flash floods on small rivers and streams, as well as landslides on steep slopes.

Forecasters also warn that prolonged severe cold may adversely affect livestock and poultry, as well as crop growth and development. Residents, particularly fishermen and coastal localities are advised to closely monitor weather developments and take proactive measures to minimize potential damage.

Northern Vietnam braces for severe cold spell, temperatures drop to 5°C

VOV.VN - Northern Vietnam is set to face a strong cold spell in a couple of days, with temperatures in some mountainous areas expected to fall below 5°C, according to the National Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting.

Severe cold grips Northern Vietnam, heavy rains continue in central region

VOV.VN - A strong cold spell has swept across most northern provinces, causing a sharp drop in temperatures, while persistent heavy rains continue to batter the central region, raising the risk of widespread flooding.