Traffic on Monday morning on Nguyễn Trãi Street. — VNA/VNS Photos

HÀ NỘI —Residents of Hà Nội started the week facing the season's first severe cold snap, with temperatures predicted to drop to 17-19 degrees Celsius.

This cold snap, the most intense since the onset of the current autumn-winter season, has caused considerable disruption in Hanoians' daily routines. Many faced significant traffic delays while travelling to schools and workplaces due to the combination of cold and light rain.

The northern mountainous regions, including Lạng Sơn and Cao Bằng provinces, are bracing for an exceptionally harsh cold snap.

The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting indicates that the lowest temperatures will occur on Monday night.

Tuesday's weather is expected to remain cold and dry, maintaining Monday's temperature levels.

However, a slight increase of 1-2 degrees Celsius is anticipated for Wednesday.

Another cold spell, arriving on Thursday, is predicted to bring sunny and dry daytime conditions, with cold temperatures persisting in the early mornings and nights.

The Centre forecasts that the northern region will endure this cold weather for the next seven to 10 days, with the chilliest days likely to be Tuesday and Wednesday.

Traffic congestion was also seen on small streets like Khương Đình.

Commuters wait for the bus in the rain and cold weather conditions on Bạch Mai Street.

Commuters wrap up in raincoats and warm clothes amid the first cold spell.

A woman buys flowers on the first day of the lunar month on Monday in rainy and cold conditions.

People wait at a bus stop on Trần Nhân Tông Street.

Women sit under a shelter of a coffee shop on Nguyễn Bình Khiểm Street.

A man sips a cup of hot tea.

Students put on more layers of clothes to go to school.