After several days of hot and humid weather, conditions in northern Vietnam are expected to change from late September as a weak easterly cold-air mass begins to affect the region from around the night of September 30.

According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the first cold-air spell will bring scattered showers and thunderstorms to the northern region, with daytime temperatures on October 1 predicted to fall by around 2–4°C compared with September 28.

A further surge of cold air is expected around the night of October 4–5 that will bring increased rainfall to the region, with heavy rain possible in some areas. Scattered showers and thunderstorms, locally heavy, are also forecast from Thanh Hoa to Ha Tinh provinces further down the central region.

Before the cold air arrives, the northern region will probably be sunny from September 28–30, with some areas experiencing hot weather. In Hanoi, temperatures are set to hover around 33–35°C on September 28–29, with some areas exceeding 35°C.

For Hanoi, rainfall during October 1–10 is forecast at around 30–60mm. Lao Cai could receive 30–50mm, while Lang Son and Son La are likely to record 20–40mm.

The shift in weather is typical of the transition into the cooler season, with northern Vietnam moving from hot and humid conditions towards cooler temperatures accompanied by periods of rain and thunderstorms. Meteorological experts have warned of possible lightning, hail, strong winds and other hazardous weather during the seasonal transition.

Meanwhile, central and southern Vietnam are anticipated to see less rainfall in the coming days, although scattered showers and thunderstorms may still occur locally.

Cold air mass strengthens, northern Vietnam turns cooler

VOV.VN - A strengthening cold air mass will keep northern Vietnam cool with showers and thunderstorms on September 10-11, while heavy rain from Thanh Hoa to Hue is raising the risk of urban flooding, flash floods and landslides.