Early on January 9, temperatures fell sharply across the city, particularly in riverside areas. At 6 am, popular weather apps showed readings of about 17 degrees Celsius in Ho Chi Minh City.
Along Pham Van Dong Boulevard in Hiep Binh Ward, several residents were seen lighting small fires on the pavement to warm themselves in the early hours. In nearby areas, people heading to work early wore extra layers and gloves to cope with the cold.
“The cold came suddenly, so I had to put on two extra layers. This morning it felt much colder than usual,” said Toan, a ride-hailing motorbike driver.
According to the Southern Hydrometeorological Centre, the cold weather is caused by a strengthened cold air mass spreading deep into southern Vietnam, bringing noticeable changes to conditions in Ho Chi Minh City and the wider southern region.
Over the next 24 hours, the cold air is expected to continue to dominate weather patterns in the south. Night-time and early morning temperatures are forecast to drop further, creating a clear chill, particularly in the South East region, including Ho Chi Minh City.
Forecasters said another cold air surge could arrive around January 11. Residents are advised to monitor weather developments and take precautions to stay warm, especially older people and young children.
Meteorologists also warned that lower humidity during midday and afternoon hours could affect health, advising people to drink enough water and avoid prolonged exposure to strong sunshine.
From late on January 8 into the early hours of January 9, temperatures in Dalat, Lam Dong Province, fell to between 8 and 9 degrees Celsius, creating biting cold conditions.
Temperatures in Dalat are expected to rise gradually towards midday, reaching about 13 degrees Celsius by 8 am and around 21 degrees Celsius at noon.
However, by the evening and night of January 9, temperatures are forecast to drop sharply again to between 8 and 9 degrees Celsius after sunset.