Cold weather sweeps northern Vietnam as heavy rain hits central region

The cold spell began to spread to several parts of the northeastern region early on Monday morning before extending into the northwestern region, north-central and central Vietnam, as well as some areas of the south-central region

Minimum temperatures during the cold spell are forecast to range between 15 and 18 degrees Celsius, while some high mountain areas could see temperatures fall below 12 degrees Celsius.

In Hanoi, rain and thunderstorms accompanied by northeasterly winds were recorded early on Monday.

Temperatures had dropped to 21 degrees Celsius by 4:00 am, making conditions noticeably cooler.

Temperatures in the capital are expected to fall further to around 17-18 degrees Celsius during the day, bringing cold and rainy conditions.

The delta, southern Phu Tho Province, Thanh Hoa Province and northern Nghe An Province are forecast to receive moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms, with rainfall generally ranging from 50 to 100 millimeters on Monday.

Some locations might record more than 200 millimeters.

Other parts of northern Vietnam are expected to experience scattered showers and thunderstorms, with rainfall of 10-30 millimeters.

Central Vietnam faces prolonged downpours

Meanwhile, heavy to torrential rain is expected to affect large parts of central Vietnam over the coming days.

On Monday, rainfall in Ha Tinh Province and northern Quang Tri Province is forecast to reach 100-250 millimeters, with some areas potentially receiving more than 350 millimeters.

Areas stretching from southern Quang Tri Province to Da Nang and eastern Quang Ngai Province are expected to experience heavy to extremely heavy rain and thunderstorms from Monday through the night of Tuesday.

Rainfall is forecast to range from 150 to 250 millimeters, with some locations potentially recording more than 500 millimeters.

Gia Lai and Dak Lak Provinces are also forecast to receive moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms, with accumulated rainfall of 70-150 millimeters.

Isolated areas could see totals exceeding 200 millimeters.

Forecasters have warned that rainfall intensity could exceed 100 millimeters within just three hours in some locations.

Heavy rain is expected to persist on Wednesday, particularly in Hue, Da Nang and eastern Quang Ngai Province, where rainfall could reach 100-200 millimeters, with isolated totals exceeding 300 millimeters.

The center has warned that prolonged heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas, urban centers and industrial zones.

The risk of flash floods along small rivers and streams, as well as landslides on steep slopes, is also elevated.