Northern Vietnam is about to experience a period of heavy rain and intense cold.

On the afternoon of December 11th, the National Center for Meteorological and Hydrological Forecasting announced that a strong cold front in the North is currently moving southward.

Satellite image shows a cold air mass in the north gradually moving southward across the Asian continent, December 11-12. Source: ZE

The meteorological and hydrological agency forecasts that around December 13th, a cold front will affect the Northeast region, then spread to the North Central, Northwest, and Central regions. Inland, strong northeasterly winds of force 3-4 will prevail, reaching force 4-5 along the coast, with some areas experiencing force 6, gusting to force 7-8.

From December 13th, the North will experience cold weather; mountainous and midland areas will have intense cold from December 13th or 14th, with some high mountainous areas experiencing severe cold; the plains will also experience intense cold in some areas. In North Central Vietnam, the weather will turn cold from the night of December 13th.

The lowest temperatures during this period will be: 7-10 degrees Celsius in mountainous and midland areas, below 5 degrees Celsius in high mountainous areas; 11-14 degrees Celsius in the Northern Delta; and 12-15 degrees Celsius in North Central Vietnam.

Hanoi will experience moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms from the night of December 12th and throughout December 13th; from December 13th onwards, the weather will be cold, with some areas experiencing severe cold, and the lowest temperature will be 12-14 degrees Celsius.

Mr. Vu Anh Tuan, Deputy Head of the Weather Forecasting Department (National Center for Meteorological and Hydrological Forecasting), said that the cold air mass could cause extreme weather phenomena. Due to the influence of the cold air mass combined with the convergence of westerly winds at high altitudes, from the night of December 12 to the end of the night of December 13, the Northern and North Central regions will experience moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms, with localized very heavy rain; there is a risk of tornadoes, lightning, hail, and strong gusts of wind. From the night of December 13 to the end of the night of December 14, the area from Quang Tri to Da Nang City and the eastern parts of the provinces from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak and Khanh Hoa will experience rain, moderate rain, with localized heavy rain and thunderstorms.

On the afternoon of December 11th, in anticipation of a strong cold front, the National Steering Committee for Civil Defense issued a directive requesting provinces and cities in the North, North Central, and coastal areas from Quang Ninh to An Giang, along with relevant ministries, to proactively respond.

According to the directive, localities need to: promptly inform the public; review residential areas along rivers and streams, low-lying areas, and areas at risk of flash floods and landslides; clear waterways; proactively evacuate people when necessary and ensure food and essential supplies at evacuation sites; control people and vehicles in deeply flooded and landslide-prone areas; deploy forces and equipment to address incidents and ensure smooth traffic flow; inspect the safety of critical infrastructure, construction sites, and small reservoirs that are already full; proactively operate reservoir water release to reserve capacity for flood control; and prepare rescue and relief forces.

In the event of severe cold weather, provinces in Northern and North Central Vietnam are guiding people to protect their health; advising against using charcoal stoves for heating in enclosed rooms; reinforcing livestock shelters, keeping animals warm, and stockpiling feed; preventing and controlling diseases in livestock and poultry; and implementing measures to protect rice, vegetables, and other crops.

Regarding strong winds at sea, coastal provinces from Quang Ninh to An Giang are notifying ships and boats to take proactive measures to avoid them, maintain communication, and ensure safety.

ANGEL

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/mien-bac-sap-co-dot-mua-va-ret-dam-post828182.html