Extreme cold weather continues in northern and north central regions

Severe and extreme cold weather continues in the northern and north central regions on January 13, with temperatures dropping to below zero and ice and frost likely in several high mountain areas.

(Illustrative photo)
(Illustrative photo)

According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the Central Highlands and southern regions see the sunny weather during the day and light rain at night in some places.

In addition, due to the impact of cold air with declining intensity, the northern part of the East Sea / South China Sea, including the Hoang Sa (Paracel) Islands water, offshore provinces from Quang Ngai to Ca Mau, and the middle part of the East Sea will experience north-eastern winds of scale 6 (with gusts of scales 7-8), enclosed with rough seas and waves of 2-4m.

North-eastern winds of scales 6-7 (with gusts of scale 9), together with waves of 3-5m and rough seas, will be recorded in the western waters of the southern part of the East Sea, including the western part of the Truong Sa (Spratly) Islands.

It is forecast that from January 17 to 18, another spell of strong north-easter winds will affect the country and possibly cause a new severe and extreme cold snap in the northern and north central regions.

The intensified cold air spell has caused freezing and slippery road surface on the National Highway 4D section of O Quy Ho Mountain Pass (Lai Chau Province) - Sapa Town (Lao Cai). To ensure safety of traffic users, Lai Chau’s Tam Duong District has assigned police and transport forces on duty to instruct and remind the people and drivers.

Ice, frost and fog have appeared in some communes of Tram Tau District and Khau Pha Pass in Mu Cang Chai District, Yen Bai Province, significantly affecting traffic in the area. The local authorities have mobilised forces to guide and ensure safety for people and traffic vehicles.

According to the Office of the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, as of January 12, the recent extreme cold weather has killed 148 buffaloes, 79 cows, one pig, one horse and 11 goats. In addition, severe and extreme cold has damaged 93 hectares of vegetables and crops in Lao Cai Province.