The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said the cold air mass is moving south, with scattered showers already reported in the north. It is expected to intensify on February 17, affecting most northern areas, except Lai Chau and Dien Bien, as well as the north-central region and parts of central Vietnam.
From February 16 to 19, northern and north-central regions are forecast to see light to moderate rain. Between the night of February 17 and February 19, temperatures in the north and Thanh Hoa are set to turn cold, with severe cold in mountainous areas.
Lows are forecast at 16-19 degrees Celsius in northern Vietnam and Thanh Hoa, falling below 15 degrees Celsius in higher elevations. Hanoi is expected to see light rain from early February 17 to February 19, with temperatures of 17-19 degrees Celcius and colder nights.
From February 20 to 22, northern areas may see isolated light rain and morning mist, with scattered showers and thunderstorms in the mountains.
Provinces from Thanh Hoa to Hue are forecast to have rain through February 20 before improving, while the south-central coast, Central Highlands and southern Vietnam are expected to remain mostly dry with daytime sunshine.