From February 14 to 22, the north is forecast to experience light rain and drizzle from Lunar New Year’s Eve through the fourth day of Tet under the influence of a cold air mass. Mornings and nights are expected to be damp and chilly, with drier conditions by midday. Rainfall is likely to be lighter in the north-west.
In the north-east, night-time temperatures are forecast to range from 17 to 20 degrees Celsius, rising to 20 to 23 degrees Celsius during the day. The north-west will see similar lows, but warmer daytime highs of 23 to 26 degrees Celsius.
A stronger cold front is expected on the fifth and sixth days of Tet, bringing scattered showers and thunderstorms and pushing temperatures down to 13 to 16 degrees Celsius. High mountain areas could see temperatures drop below 10 degrees Celsius.
Forecasters said the weather should generally support holiday activities, but residents in the north are advised to bring warm clothing, especially when travelling to mountainous areas where severe cold may occur. Fog and drizzle may also reduce visibility.
Central provinces from Thanh Hoa to Hue are forecast to see scattered showers at the start of Tet, with temperatures of 18 to 26 degrees Celsius, before cooler air arrives on the sixth day. The south-central coast may also experience intermittent showers, with temperatures ranging from 21 to 31 degrees Celsius.
The agency said cold air between February and April is likely to be weaker than average, though brief strong spells remain possible. Drizzle in the north is expected to intensify in late February and March, bringing humid conditions.
Early-season heat may develop from late February in southern Vietnam and parts of the north-west, with more widespread hot spells expected in April.
Authorities urged residents to remain alert to both severe cold and early heat, and to take measures to protect vulnerable people, crops and livestock.
