Northern Vietnam Braces for a Week-Long Cold Spell as Strong Cold Air Masses Persist

Temperatures across the Red River Delta are set to stay low through the week, with mountain areas facing near-freezing conditions.

Northern Vietnam is expected to remain in a prolonged cold spell throughout the coming week as successive waves of intensified cold air continue to sweep down from the north, according to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.

Early on December 14, temperatures plunged sharply across the region. Mẫu Sơn in Lạng Sơn recorded a low of just 4°C, while Hanoi cooled to around 16–17°C. Forecasters say the first half of the week will see cold but generally dry conditions in the North, with clear skies and daytime sunshine offering little relief from the chill. Minimum temperatures in mountainous areas are forecast to drop below 14°C, while lowland areas, including Hanoi, are expected to hover around 17°C. Daytime highs are likely to range between 18°C and 21°C.

Around December 17–18, a new eastward-shifted cold air surge is expected to bring increased cloud cover and light rain to much of the northern region, reinforcing the cold conditions. By December 19–20, the cold air mass is forecast to weaken, allowing skies to clear and rainfall to ease, though temperatures are expected to remain seasonally low.

International forecasts align with domestic predictions. U.S.-based weather service AccuWeather projects Hanoi’s temperatures early next week to range from 18°C to 24°C, gradually rising to 18–26°C toward the weekend. Higher-altitude destinations such as Sa Pa, at elevations above 1,500 metres, are forecast to experience much colder conditions, with temperatures fluctuating between 9°C and 14°C.

The Mount Fansipan in Sapa town of Vietnam is blanketed with snows

The cold air mass is also affecting central Vietnam. From Nghệ An to Quảng Ngãi, widespread rain is expected through tonight and tomorrow, while Thanh Hóa to Huế will see colder conditions persist. As the cold air weakens around December 16, rainfall in central regions is likely to decrease and temperatures in Thanh Hóa–Huế may edge up to 21–24°C. However, another reinforcement of cold air from December 17 onward is forecast to bring renewed rain to Thanh Hóa–Huế and increasing showers and thunderstorms from Đà Nẵng to Quảng Ngãi.

In contrast, the Central Highlands and southern Vietnam are set to enjoy relatively stable weather. From now until around December 21, these regions are expected to see mostly sunny conditions with limited rainfall. Night-time and early morning temperatures in the Central Highlands will fall below 20°C, bringing a noticeable chill, while southern provinces will see minimum temperatures around 23°C. Daytime highs are forecast to reach 25–28°C in the Central Highlands and 30–33°C in the South.

Meteorologists advise residents in northern and central regions to prepare for sustained cold conditions and intermittent rain, particularly in mountainous areas where low temperatures may pose health and agricultural risks.

Related

Source: Vietnam Insider