According to the Lao Cai Hydro-meteorological Station, at 7 o’clock this morning, May 26, temperatures in Sapa dropped to just 12.4 degrees Celsius against the summer average of 20-25 degrees Celsius. Other areas saw low temperatures, with Bac Ha at 17.5 degrees Celsius and Pho Rang in Bao Yen District at 22.2 degrees Celsius.
Sapa experiences a cold snap on May 26. Illustrative photo
Meteorological experts say that late May saw unusually low temperatures. Since November 2024, Vietnam’s weather has been influenced by El Nino. However, the phenomenon has weakened and shifted toward La Nina, leading to stronger and more persistent cold air masses extending into the summer months.
The cold air mass, combined with high humidity from a tropical depression, has triggered widespread showers and thunderstorms. On May 23-25, many areas in Lao Cai faced heavy rainfall, with several locations recording over 100mm of rain.
The cold spell in Lao Cai is gradually easing, with temperatures beginning to rise. Tonight, lowland areas are expected to see temperatures around 22-23 degrees Celsius, while the mountains may dip to 18–19 degrees Celsius. Sapa remains the coldest spot, with temperatures hovering around 13-14 degrees Celsius, potentially accompanied by light fog due to high humidity.