Residents near Phia Oac Mountain in Cao Bang Province said temperatures dropped significantly from early morning on January 6, bringing severe cold weather. By midday, thick frost covered the summit of Phia Oac, located in Thanh Cong Commune.
Phia Oac, at about 1,931 metres above sea level, is the second highest mountain in Cao Bang and regularly sees frost or snow during intense cold spells in northern Vietnam.
On the morning of January 6, temperatures in many northern localities fell below 15 degrees Celsius. In some areas such as Sapa in Lao Cai, Dong Van in Tuyen Quang and Tam Dao in Phu Tho, temperatures dropped to around 6 degrees Celsius.
The National Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting said cold air had affected most of the north-central region and the northwest. Scattered rain was recorded in the north and north-central areas, while temperatures fell by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius.
The cold air mass is forecast to continue spreading to other parts of the northwest, the north-central region and the central region during the day and night of January 6.
In the coming days, northern Vietnam is expected to experience severe cold, with some mountainous areas facing extreme cold conditions. The north-central region will also see cold weather, with some places experiencing severe cold. The lowest temperatures during this spell in the north are forecast at 9 to 12 degrees Celsius, falling to 6 to 9 degrees Celsius in mountainous and midland areas, and below 3 degrees Celsius in high mountain zones. In the north-central region, minimum temperatures are expected at 11 to 14 degrees Celsius.
Meteorological authorities warned that due to the cold air, areas from Quang Tri to Danang and eastern parts of provinces from Quang Ngai to Gia Lai may see rain, with localised heavy downpours and thunderstorms. Mountainous areas in northern Vietnam are advised to remain alert to the risk of frost and hoarfrost.
