Northern Vietnam experiences 1°C coldness

A strong cold air has brought the temperature at the northern province of Lang Son’s Mau Son peak on Sunday down to 1°C, with Hanoi at 11°C, the lowest since this year’s winter started.

Other high-altitude areas in northern provinces of Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Bac Kan, Lao Cai, Son La, and Vinh Phuc reported temperatures ranging 5-9°C, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.

Along with the temperature, the humidity also dropped.

Four of Hanoi’s measuring stations - Ba Vi, Lang, Hoai Duc, and Ha Dong - registered 11°C, while the capital’s Son Tay station recorded 13°C. It is reported that actual outdoor temperatures may vary by about 2-3°C.

The cold air is also affecting the central region. Thanh Hoa province’s Yen Dinh District was at 12°C Sunday morning, while Da Nang recorded a temperature of 24°C.

It is forecasted by meteorological agencies that temperatures in northern Vietnam and part of the central region will continue to drop due to the influence of the cold air. High mountainous areas may experience snowfall and frost.

The forecast also predicts a prolonged cold spell, with average daily temperatures measuring at 13-15°C or lower after Dec. 20 due to continuous strengthening of the cold air.

Weather forecasting platform Accuweather shows the Sunday temperature in Hanoi varies between 13-16°C. The figure is expected to gradually rise and reach 21°C by Dec. 22, before dropping sharply again due to intensifying cold air.

Regions located over 1,500 meters above sea level, like Lao Cai’s Sapa town, will experience temperatures ranging between 10-18°C on Dec. 18 and 19. A nightly low of 3°C and daytime temperatures of 8°C can be experienced from Dec. 20.

Other provinces in the northern-central region will likely experience temperatures between 11-14°C.

Meteorological agencies forecast that there will be an increase in the frequency and intensity of cold air over Jan. 2024, with severe cold spells expected in the first half of the month, though they are not predicted to be prolonged.