Ice covers tree branches in the mountainous province of Lào Cai as cold air sweeps in several years ago. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Northern and north-central Việt Nam are bracing for a severe cold spell this weekend, as temperatures are set to plummet amidst widespread rainfall, triggered by a strong cold front.

According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, from February 7 to 8, regions including the northern provinces and parts of the north-central coast, such as Thanh Hóa and Nghệ An, will experience intense cold conditions similar to those observed before the Lunar New Year.

The forecast indicates that the cold weather will persist for several days, accompanied by scattered showers, dramatically reducing temperatures. In Hà Nội, temperatures are expected to reach lows of 7 to 8°C and highs of only 12 to 13°C. Frost and ice are also anticipated in mountainous areas.

Additionally, the influence of the cold front could extend to the central provinces from Quảng Bình to Bình Định, bringing scattered rainfall, including localized heavy downpours, from February 8 to 11. — VNS