According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, northern localities from Thanh Hoa to Quang Ngai and eastern parts of Gia Lai and Dak Lak could experience broad rain episodes. The Central Highlands and the south may also record unseasonal showers on some days.
Average temperatures across the country are expected to remain close to the long-term norm. Heat is likely to persist in the south-east and may spread to the Mekong Delta towards the end of the month.
Cold air will continue to affect Vietnam but is expected to shift eastwards, with severe cold mainly confined to the northern mountains in early March. Light rain, drizzle and fog are forecast to linger in the eastern north and north-central provinces.
Rainfall in the north, from Thanh Hoa to Hue and along the south-central coast, is projected to run 10-30mm above the long-term average, with some areas exceeding 30mm. The Central Highlands and the south are expected to record near-average totals.
Forecasters said storms or tropical depressions are unlikely in the East Sea in March, when the long-term average is 0.2 systems and none typically make landfall in Vietnam. However, localised thunderstorms, lightning, hail and strong gusts may occur nationwide, while southern heat could disrupt daily life and production.
Authorities warned that cold air could bring strong winds and rough seas, affecting maritime activities. On land, weakening easterly systems may cause prolonged drizzle and fog in the eastern north and north-central regions, disrupting transport and daily routines.
Amid increasingly extreme weather linked to climate change, local governments and residents were urged to monitor short-term forecasts, particularly one- to three-day bulletins, to adjust production and response plans.
Three cold spells were recorded in February. A surge on February 8 brought widespread severe cold, with lows of 10-12 degrees Celsius in the north, 7-9 degrees in mountainous areas and 3.5 degrees at Mau Son in Lang Son. Thanh Hoa recorded 13-14 degrees.
Despite the cold snaps, nationwide average temperatures in February were above the long-term norm, by 1.5-2.5 degrees in the north and from Thanh Hoa to Quang Ngai, and 3-4 degrees in some areas.
February rainfall nationwide was near or above average, generally 10-50mm higher than normal, with some places exceeding average levels by 60-100mm.
