The region is likely to enter a prolonged cold spell from the following day, with temperatures tumbling sharply, said the national weather agency.

Temperatures in the north will fall by 6–7°C compared with earlier this week. In Hanoi, daytime temperatures are forecast to reach only about 17°C and drop to 12–13°C at night.

Mountainous provinces such as Cao Bang and Lang Son may see daytime highs of 11°C and lows of around 6°C, raising the risk of frost and harmful cold for crops and livestock.

Hoang Duc Cuong, deputy head of the National Hydro-Meteorological Administration, said cold fronts are expected to increase in both frequency and intensity throughout December, adding that severe and prolonged cold events cannot be ruled out. He urged residents, particularly children, the elderly and those with chronic illnesses, to take precautions against the cold.

The agency also warned that icy and wet conditions could affect traffic safety, especially during peak hours, and advised the public to limit travel during heavy rain combined with strong cold winds, and to closely follow updated weather bulletins.

Strengthening cold air brings scattered light rain to northern Vietnam

VOV.VN - National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported that on December 4, a surge of cold air affected the Northeastern region and parts of the North Central region, bringing rain and scattered light showers. Temperatures dropped by about 1-3 degrees Celsius, while the Bach Long Vi station recorded strong northeast winds at force 6 (39-49 km/h).