Weather in northern Vietnam is forecast to become sunnier and warmer from March 17 as the current cold air mass weakens.
According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the region will remain mostly cloudy with occasional rain on March 16 due to the lingering effects of cold air combined with an upper-level wind convergence zone at altitudes of 3,000-5,000 metres.
From March 17 onward, as the cold air continues to weaken and a western low-pressure area expands eastward, rainfall across northern areas is expected to largely end. Sunny conditions will become more frequent and temperatures will gradually rise in the following days.
Daytime temperatures in many northern localities are forecast to exceed 33 degrees Celsius during the coming week.
In Hanoi, temperatures are expected to range between 21 and 28 degrees Celsius over the next week.
Meanwhile, in high mountainous areas above 1,500 metres such as Sapa, nighttime temperatures will remain relatively cool at 12-13 degrees Celsius, while daytime temperatures are forecast to reach 21-23 degrees Celsius as sunshine increases.
In the central region, scattered showers may occur early on March 16. Areas from Thanh Hoa to Hue, as well as the south-central coastal region, are expected to see mainly sunny weather with gradually rising daytime temperatures.
Between March 17 and 22, dry conditions are forecast to dominate, with daytime temperatures generally ranging from 29 to 32 degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, the Central Highlands and southern Vietnam are expected to experience little rainfall through the weekend, with sunny conditions prevailing. Maximum temperatures in the Central Highlands will range from 29 to 32 degrees Celsius, while southern areas could see highs of around 33-35 degrees Celsius.
From around March 18, widespread heat is likely to develop across southeast Vietnam and persist through the end of the week. Maximum temperatures there are forecast to reach 35-37 degrees Celsius, while the Mekong Delta could see highs of 35-36 degrees Celsius. Temperatures in the Central Highlands are also expected to rise to 30-33 degrees Celsius.
