Hanoi (VNA) - Severe cold weather is expected to hit the northern region starting December 26 night, with temperatures in some areas expected to drop below 10 degrees Celsius.
The lowest temperatures in Hanoi during the cold spell are expected to range between 12 degrees and 15 degrees Celsius.
According to the National Centre for Hydrometeorological Forecasting, in the region stretching from Quang Binh to Thua Thien Hue provinces, temperatures will be between 15 degrees Celsius and 18 degrees Celsius.
The cold spell is forecast to intensify on December 27, affecting the northwestern parts of the northern and central regions.
In the northern region and from Thanh Hoa province to Thua Thien Hue Province, the weather will remain cold, with the northern mountainous areas experiencing severe cold and frost.
In the Gulf of Tonkin, the sea will likely be rough, with wave heights expected between 2 to 3 metres.
In the northern part of the East Sea, including the waters around the Hoang Sa (Paracel) Islands, wave heights will range from 4 to 6 metres.
In the waters off the coasts of Quang Tri province to Ca Mau province, the central part of the East Sea, and the southern part of the East Sea (including the western waters of the Spratly Islands), waves will range from 3 to 5 metres.
Between December 26 night and December 27, moderate to heavy rain with isolated downpours and thunderstorms is expected to hit areas from Thua Thien Hue to Phu Yen provinces. Thunderstorms may bring the risk of tornadoes, lightning and strong winds.
The centre also said that the storms may disrupt agricultural production, uproot trees, damage houses and harm infrastructure such as roads and transportation systems.
The large amounts of rainfall could cause flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas, including flash floods in small rivers and streams and landslides on steep slopes.
Strong winds and large waves at sea may pose a threat to maritime activities and other operations in the affected regions./.
