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The National Centre for Hydro, Meteorological Forecasting said the cold air has affected most of northern Vietnam, causing temperatures to fall by three to five degrees Celsius and triggering rain and thunderstorms in parts of the northeast.
Over the next 24 to 48 hours, the cold air is expected to continue spreading across the northeastern region before affecting the northwest, north central and parts of the south central region. Inland areas will see northeasterly winds of 12 to 19 kilometres per hour, rising to 20 to 38 kilometres per hour along the coast, with gusts of up to 39 to 51 kilometres per hour.
Northern and north central regions will turn cold, with mountainous areas facing severe cold. Some high altitude locations may experience hazardous cold conditions.
Minimum temperatures across northern Vietnam are forecast at 11 to 14 degrees Celsius, falling to 8 to 11 degrees Celsius in mountainous areas and below 7 degrees Celsius in high mountain regions, where frost may occur.
Hanoi is expected to see rain and colder weather, with minimum temperatures of 12 to 14 degrees Celsius.
Thanh Hoa and Nghe An provinces are forecast to experience scattered showers and thunderstorms, with risks of lightning, hail and strong gusts.
From Ha Tinh to Danang, as well as eastern areas from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak, rain and thunderstorms are expected overnight and in the early morning, with locally heavy rainfall. Other areas may see isolated showers at night, while daytime conditions remain mostly sunny.
Cold air is also spreading south, bringing cooler mornings to southern Vietnam. In Ho Chi Minh City, minimum temperatures in the first days of 2026 are forecast at 20 to 21 degrees Celsius, dropping to around 19 degrees Celsius in northeastern suburban areas such as Hoc Mon and Cu Chi. Daytime highs will range from 30 to 32 degrees Celsius.
Meteorologists have advised residents, particularly in mountainous and coastal areas, to closely monitor weather developments and take precautions to protect health, property and maritime activities.
