Meteorological agencies and experts said unseasonal rain, sharp day-night temperature differences and elevated fine dust levels could affect public health during the peak holiday period.
The weather is expected to turn slightly cooler in the coming days, before the current cold air mass weakens as Tet approaches, said meteorologist Le Thi Xuan Lan. From February 16 to February 20, daytime temperatures are forecast at 32-33 degrees Celsius, with mild mornings and prolonged sunshine.
Another weak cold spell is expected around February 20-21, bringing cooler nights. Outlying areas such as Xuan Loc and Tay Ninh could see overnight temperatures fall below 20 degrees Celsius.
Experts warned air quality will deteriorate ahead of Tet as traffic and construction activity intensify. PM2.5 levels are forecast to reach 170-180 amid dry conditions and large day-night temperature gaps.
“These factors can affect health, especially children, pregnant women and those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions,” Lan said. She urged residents to limit outdoor exposure during pollution peaks, wear masks and stay hydrated.
Air quality is expected to improve from the 29th day of the lunar month and in the early days of the new year as traffic volumes decline, though residents were advised to continue monitoring weather forecasts.
The Southern Regional Hydrometeorological Centre said weather in Ho Chi Minh City and much of southern Vietnam remained stable on February 9-10, with dry nights and sunny days, as the region lay on the southern edge of a continental cold high-pressure system.
However, from February 11 to February 13, upper-level easterly wind disturbances could trigger scattered, short-lived unseasonal showers in the late afternoon or evening, potentially disrupting travel and outdoor activities ahead of Tet.
Maritime authorities also advised vessels operating off the south-eastern coast to closely monitor strong winds and rough seas over the next few days, warning small boats against heading offshore.