According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, on January 26, cold air strongly affected the northern provinces, the North Central region, and parts of the Central Central region. In the Gulf of Tonkin, northeast winds reached force 8, with gusts up to force 9-10, causing strong sea disturbances. Let’s delve into the details of this weather situation and its impacts.
Weather Conditions on Land
By the evening of January 26, the cold air continued to spread to other areas in the Central Central region and parts of the South Central region. Northeast winds on land maintained a strength of force 3-4, while coastal areas saw winds increase to force 4-5, with some places experiencing gusts up to force 6-7.
The Northern region and North Central region experienced severe cold, especially the mountainous areas of the North, where extremely severe cold was recorded. High-altitude areas face the risk of frost and frostbite. The lowest temperatures generally ranged from 9-12°C in the plains, 6-8°C in the mountains, and could drop below 3°C in high-altitude regions.
In the Central Central region, temperatures were as low as 14-17°C (from Quang Binh to Hue) and 16-19°C (from Da Nang to Quang Ngai). Hanoi saw no rain but was severely cold, with the lowest temperature around 9-12°C.
Severe cold wave hits northern Vietnam, some areas below 3°C – 1
Frost on the peak of Mau Son, Lang Son in January 2024 (Photo: Nguyen Hai).
Impact on Coastal Areas
At sea, the Gulf of Tonkin recorded strong northeast winds of force 6-7, occasionally reaching force 8, with gusts up to force 9-10, creating waves as high as 2-4.5 meters. The northern and central parts of the East Sea, including the Hoang Sa archipelago, experienced strong northeast winds of force 7, occasionally reaching force 8, with gusts up to force 9, causing waves as high as 3-5 meters.
The coastal areas from Quang Tri to Ca Mau and the southern part of the East Sea, including the Truong Sa archipelago, also saw northeast winds intensify to force 6, occasionally reaching force 7, with gusts up to force 8-9, and waves as high as 3-5 meters.
Extreme Weather Warnings
Due to the strengthening cold front, scattered showers are expected in the North Central region. From January 26 to 28, the Central Central region will experience rain, showers, and possibly heavy rain with thunderstorms.
Meteorological authorities warn that thunderstorms may be accompanied by hail, lightning, and strong gusts, causing damage to agriculture, toppling trees, and damaging houses and infrastructure. There is a high risk of flooding in low-lying areas, flash floods on small rivers, and landslides on steep slopes.
Strong winds and large waves at sea pose significant challenges to ship activities and related operations. Severe cold, frost, and frostbite could severely impact crops and livestock.
Detailed Forecasts for Specific Regions
Hanoi
Overcast with occasional light rain, clearing up with sunny spells in the afternoon. Northeast winds at force 3-4, with severe cold. Low temperatures ranging from 10-13°C, high temperatures 14-17°C.
Northwestern Region
Overcast with scattered showers and occasional thunderstorms. Light winds, with cold nights, and severely cold days in some areas. Low temperatures 10-13°C, with some high-altitude areas dropping below 9°C; high temperatures 15-18°C, with some areas exceeding 18°C.
Northeastern Region
Overcast with scattered showers and occasional thunderstorms. Northeast winds at force 3, increasing to force 3-4 near the coast, with some gusts up to force 6. Cold nights, severely cold in some areas, and severely cold, hazardous conditions in mountainous regions during the day. Low temperatures 13-15°C, 10-13°C in the mountains, and some high-altitude areas below 9°C; high temperatures 15-18°C.
Conclusion
This severe cold wave brings significant challenges, from severe cold on land to strong winds and large waves at sea. Residents should take proactive measures to protect their health, property, and stay updated with meteorological information for timely responses. Stay tuned for the latest weather updates to ensure safety throughout this cold spell.
Source: Dantri
