Hanoi is shrouded in fog and fine dust, with residents struggling with the cold and pollution.

Hanoi shrouded in fog and fine dust, residents struggle with cold and pollution - 1

A verstärkt cold air mass from the North swept down on the morning of December 13th, beginning to affect the northern provinces and gradually spreading to the North Central, Northwest, and Central Central regions.

Hanoi shrouded in fog and fine dust, residents struggle with cold and pollution - 2

The cold spell arrived just as Hanoi was experiencing several days of high pollution levels.

Hanoi shrouded in fog and fine dust, residents struggle with cold and pollution - 3

Compared to yesterday, the temperature in Hanoi has dropped significantly. From early morning, thick clouds covered the sky, causing the temperature to fall to around 20°C.

Hanoi shrouded in fog and fine dust, residents struggle with cold and pollution - 4

A cold front accompanied by rain appeared on the morning of December 13th, but Hanoi's air quality did not improve significantly. According to the AirVisual app, at nearly 8 am that day, the capital's AQI was still among the top 3 most polluted globally.

Hanoi shrouded in fog and fine dust, residents struggle with cold and pollution - 5

On the streets, commuters wore thick coats and hats to protect themselves from the wind. The light rain slowed down traffic.

Hanoi shrouded in fog and fine dust, residents struggle with cold and pollution - 6

"I thought it would only be mildly cold like the past few days, but it turned out to be really freezing. Taking the bus is less of a hassle when it's raining like this," shared Mr. Hoang Anh, from Cua Nam ward.

Hanoi shrouded in fog and fine dust, residents struggle with cold and pollution - 7

"The cold rain came unexpectedly, so my family was a little slow to prepare. We thought the rain would help reduce air pollution, but this morning the sky is still hazy, making it very difficult to breathe," said Ms. Van, a resident of Hoan Kiem ward.

Hanoi shrouded in fog and fine dust, residents struggle with cold and pollution - 8

The weather turned cold with moderate to heavy rain, reducing visibility and making travel difficult for people on the morning of December 13th.

Hanoi shrouded in fog and fine dust, residents struggle with cold and pollution - 9

The drizzling rain and high humidity made the air even colder. People on the streets shivered in the cold.

Hanoi shrouded in fog and fine dust, residents struggle with cold and pollution - 10

Hanoi shrouded in fog and fine dust, residents struggle with cold and pollution - 11

A cold wind blew fiercely, and pedestrians struggled through the chilly early morning rain.

Hanoi shrouded in fog and fine dust, residents struggle with cold and pollution - 12

According to the 10-day forecast, the central area of Hanoi will maintain temperatures of 17-21°C on December 13th. From December 14th, the rain will gradually stop, and nighttime temperatures may drop to 15°C before rising slightly in the following days.