Temperature plunge as extreme cold spell hits northern region

According to the national weather service, from this morning, the cold air has lowered temperatures in the Northeastern region, before expanding its influence to other places in the Northeast, then the Northwest and the northern and central parts of Central Vietnam.

The intense cold spell will also bring rain to the whole northern region from today, including in Hanoi, while heavy rains are expected for the northern and central parts of Central Vietnam from tonight.

It will get colder from tomorrow, marking the first extreme chill to hit the North since the start of winter, with the lowest temperatures ranging from 11-14C, even as low as 8-11C or below 5C combined with frost in the mountainous areas in provinces of Cao Bang, Bac Kan, Lang Son, Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang and Lao Cai.

A strong northeast wind is also forecast for the region, as well as across the Gulf of Tonkin, causing rough seas with waves from 2-3m high.

Against the possible damages of the extreme weather, the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Response and the National Committee for Incident and Disaster Response and Search and Rescue have issued a joint telegraph, urging for localities and the concerned authorities to take proactive response to the chill and strong winds at sea.

The document asked for measures to ensure safety for the elderly, children and students and reduce the damage to agricultural production in mountainous areas.

Coastal provinces and cities are suggested to closely monitor the development of strong winds and rough sea in order to notify vessels for timely response.