The latest cold front in northern Vietnam has begun to weaken rapidly, leading to the return of foggy and drizzly weather across the region, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF).

As of February 13, the cold air has had a weak impact on most of northeastern Vietnam, bringing northeasterly winds of 5-6 on the Beaufort scale over the Gulf of Tonkin, with gusts up to force 7, causing rough seas.

By this evening, the cold front will continue affecting the rest of northeastern Vietnam, northern central Vietnam, and parts of the northwestern region, with moderate northeasterly winds overland.

Cold temperatures and light rain across the region

Due to the cold front, northern and north central Vietnam will remain chilly, with mountainous areas experiencing even lower temperatures. The lowest temperatures recorded during this cold spell are:

15-17°C in most of northern Vietnam

12-14°C in mountainous regions, with some areas dropping below 11°C

15-18°C in northern central Vietnam

Hanoi’s lowest temperatures will range from 15-17°C

Despite the cold air, the weak intensity of this system combined with westerly winds in the upper atmosphere will result in a quick return of drizzle and mist across northern Vietnam in the coming days.

Weather forecast for the coming days

Between February 13-15, northern Vietnam will experience:

Light rain in some areas, with widespread early morning fog

Drizzle and mist from February 14-15, particularly in the eastern provinces, Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Nam Son La, and Hoa Binh

Chilly temperatures, with some mountainous areas experiencing severe cold

Meanwhile, north central Vietnam will see light rain and cool conditions, while central Vietnam will experience scattered showers and thunderstorms, particularly on February 15.

In south central Vietnam, the Central Highlands, and southern Vietnam, unseasonal rain showers are expected due to a low-pressure trough connected to a tropical depression over the East Sea.

Extended weather outlook (February 15-23)

Northwestern Vietnam: Mostly dry with morning fog and afternoon sunshine, remaining chilly, with severe cold in high-altitude areas.

Northeastern Vietnam & key provinces like Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Nam Son La, and Hoa Binh: Persistent drizzle, mist, and light rain in the mornings, with cold temperatures continuing.

North central Vietnam: A mix of foggy mornings and sunny afternoons, except February 15-16 and 21-22, when rain is expected.

Central Vietnam: Scattered rain and thunderstorms, particularly on February 16-17 and 21-22.

Other regions: Light rain and scattered thunderstorms, with rain increasing in south central Vietnam on February 16-17.

A tropical depression has been identified west of the central East Sea, with sustained winds of 39-49 km/h (force 6 on the Beaufort scale), gusting to force 8. The system is expected to gradually weaken into a low-pressure area by the afternoon of February 14, off the coast of Quang Ngai to Phu Yen.

Bao Anh