Strong cold front expected to chill northern Vietnam next week

Over the past four to five days, steady rain and high humidity have left much of the region clammy and damp.

Forecasters say the lingering humidity trend eases through Tuesday and ends as skies clear on Wednesday, when the northern region transitions to fewer clouds and widespread sunshine.

Around Sunday or Monday, a robust cold surge associated with the northeast monsoon is expected to depress temperatures sharply across the Red River Delta and neighboring provinces.

Night-time and early-morning lows in lowland areas may fall below 17 degrees Celsius, while many upland and mountainous localities could see readings below 16 degrees Celsius.

Daytime highs are also projected to struggle, with many places remaining under 22 degrees Celsius.

The strongest cold air outbreaks in Vietnam occur from December through February.

For the 2025-26 winter, average temperatures across the northern region are forecast to be broadly in line with long-term norms.

Even so, forecasters expect a series of stronger cold snaps, with severe cold conditions most likely from the second half of December and becoming more frequent in January and February next year.

During these intense episodes, frost, ice, and even snowfall are possible on the highest peaks of the northern mountains.

Provinces such as Lao Cai and Lang Son are traditionally among the most susceptible to rime and snow.

In more widespread severe cold, the chill can extend to the Red River Delta and north-central provinces including Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and Ha Tinh.