A new cold wave is expected to arrive on the evening of March 15, causing temperatures to drop significantly, with lows reaching 11-12°C. Notably, while this cold front will bring rain initially, it will soon transition to dry and sunny conditions.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, Vietnam’s weather will experience significant changes from March 12 to 22 due to the impact of this approaching cold front.

Meteorologists predict that the cold wave will primarily bring rain to northern and north-central provinces on March 16, before transitioning into a dry chill from March 17 to 19, with sunny conditions.

As the cold air moves southward from March 17 to 19, scattered showers will occur from Hue to Khanh Hoa and in the Central Highlands region.

Weather details by region

From March 12 to 15, the northwest region will experience scattered light rain, morning fog, and sunny afternoons. However, from March 12 to 14, parts of the far northwest may see localized showers and thunderstorms, followed by hot daytime temperatures in some areas.

On the evening and night of March 15, as the cold front arrives, scattered showers and thunderstorms will occur, followed by sporadic light rain. By March 16, temperatures are expected to drop sharply.

In the northeast region and Thanh Hoa, misty and drizzly conditions will persist until March 15, with brief sunshine in the afternoons. However, by the evening and night of March 15, the incoming cold air will bring widespread showers and thunderstorms. Afterward, the region will experience dry, sunny days and cold nights, officially ending the prolonged damp conditions.

From Nghe An to Hue, light rain and morning fog will continue through March 14, with the northern part seeing increased sunshine in the afternoons. By the night of March 15 and early March 16, scattered showers and thunderstorms will occur, followed by a shift to cooler temperatures from March 16 onward.

From Quang Binh to Khanh Hoa, isolated showers and thunderstorms are expected in the evenings and nights, with sunny days. However, from the night of March 15 to March 19, more widespread showers and thunderstorms are likely.

Other regions will see occasional evening and nighttime showers, while the Central Highlands and southern Vietnam may experience hot conditions. Thunderstorms in these areas may bring strong winds, hail, and lightning.

From March 16 to 18, unseasonal rain is forecast for Long An, Dong Nai, Ho Chi Minh City, and parts of the Mekong Delta.

Extended weather outlook

Long-range forecasts indicate that from March 11 to April 10, the average temperature in northern Vietnam and the central region from Thanh Hoa to Hue will be 0.5-1°C lower than the historical average. Other regions will experience temperatures close to normal levels.

Notably, hot weather will continue in the southern provinces, particularly in the southeastern region, with localized heatwaves also expected in the northwestern provinces, north-central Vietnam, and the Central Highlands. By April, hotter conditions are anticipated across a broader area.

Additionally, this March, cold air is expected to be more active than in previous years. However, due to the high-pressure system shifting eastward, this will result in more days of drizzle, mist, and fog in northeastern and north-central Vietnam. By April, the influence of cold air is forecast to weaken.

Meanwhile, scattered showers and thunderstorms will occasionally occur in central Vietnam. The Central Highlands and southern Vietnam may also see some unseasonal rain. Rainfall in southern Vietnam and parts of central Vietnam is expected to be 10-20mm higher than average, while other regions may see rainfall amounts 15-25mm below average.

Bao Anh