Children wear thick clothes with masks to keep them warm during cold weather. VNA/VNS Tuấn Đức

HÀ NỘI — A strong cold spell has hit the northern region of Việt Nam, bringing rain and lowering temperatures.

According to Nguyễn Đức Hòa, deputy head of the Weather Forecasting Department at the National Centre for Hydrometeorology Forecasting, due to the influence of the cold spell, from Tuesday, the northern and northern central regions will see temperatures plummet.

The temperatures might drop below 5 degrees Celsius in mountainous areas while the lowest temperatures in other areas would be between 11-14 degrees Celsius.

It will be cloudy all day and the difference between day and night temperatures is likely just 2-4 degree Celsius.

Cao Bằng, Bắc Kạn, Lạng Sơn, Tuyên Quang and Lào Cai provinces are the areas most affected.

Frost might occur in mountainous areas which are 1,500 metres above sea level, like Fansipan Mountain in Lao Cai Province or Mẫu Sơn Mountain in Lang Son Province.

The cold wave might cause rain in provinces from Thanh Hóa to Bình Thuận. The area from Hà Tĩnh to Quảng Ngãi provinces is likely to experience heavy rain on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The normal temperatures in Hà Nội would be 11-13 degrees Celsius.

Hòa said the cold spell would last until December 22 before temperatures increase gradually.

The cold weather would affect the life and production of local residents, especially those living in mountainous areas where the temperatures might drop to below 5 degree Celsius, he said, adding that the frost might have a serious impact on plants and livestock.

Hòa advised people to wear warm clothes during the cold spell.

As for livestock, farmers should not let buffaloes and cows roam free. Instead, they should use canvas to cover barns as well as ensure cattle get enough food. — VNS