According to Tran Van Hung, deputy director of the Southern Regional Hydro-Meteorological Centre, weather over Tet would be generally favourable for outdoor activities and celebrations.
Daytime temperatures are forecast at 31-34 degrees Celsius in the eastern region and 29-33 degrees Celsius in the Mekong Delta region, with mild, slightly cool conditions at night and early morning.
A brief spell of unseasonal rain may occur around February 13 due to upper-level easterly disturbances, mainly in the evening or overnight, with limited impact on daytime travel.
From the first to the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, the weather is likely to remain stable, with increasing sunshine and isolated hot spots in eastern areas. In HCM City, temperatures are forecast to range between 23 and 34 degrees Celsius, with little rainfall.
Meteorologist Le Thi Xuan Lan said the holiday would be relatively warm overall. While a stronger cold spell could affect northern Vietnam from around the fourth day of Tet, bringing colder conditions there, its impact on the south would be limited to slightly cooler mornings.
Forecasters warned that prolonged dry, sunny conditions could raise fire risks and affect health during outdoor activities.
Air quality in HCM City and Can Tho may worsen in the run-up to Tet due to heavier traffic and construction, though it is expected to improve during the holiday as vehicle use declines.
