A strong cold spell is forecast to hit the northern region from February 15, bringing heavy showers and rapidly falling temperatures, according to the National Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting.
The centre predicts for today, February 13, temperatures will reach a peak of 32C. The cold spell, which is progressing from the north, will see temperatures fall to 13C in low-lying areas and 3C in the mountains from February 16-18.
The northern region has enjoyed a warm Tet holiday with temperatures ranging from 10-29C since February 7. Therefore, this cold spell, although biting, won’t see temperatures here drop below 13C in low-lying areas, the centre said.
The region experienced a 30-year record low in mid-January that saw snowfalls just 50km from the capital.
The cold killed more than 17,000 cattle, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. 5,971 ha of rice and 4,673 ha of vegetables were ruined by the freezing weather.
