Northern Vietnam continued to feel the grip of cold air on 4 January 2026, with parts of the region experiencing severe low temperatures and the possibility of frost at higher elevations, the national centre for meteorological forecasting reported. A second surge of cold air is expected to return on the evening of 5–6 January, prolonging chilly conditions across the north.
Vietnam weather forecast this week
The national forecast said the cold air mass had settled deeply over the North, Thanh Hóa and Nghệ An, bringing light rain in places and early-morning mist. Temperatures in the northern highlands are low enough to raise concern about icy patches and frost; residents and transport authorities have been advised to be vigilant.
Hanoi experienced a largely cloudy morning with no significant precipitation and an east-north-easterly breeze at force 2–3. Morning lows in the northern and western suburbs ranged from 13–15°C, while central and southern districts recorded 14–16°C. Skies cleared intermittently by midday, allowing brief sunny spells, but maximum temperatures remained below 20°C. Humidity hovered between 78–85%, contributing to the raw feeling of the cold.
Meteorologists warned that a reinforcing cold front will sweep over the area from the evening of 5–6 January. During that period Hanoi can expect increased cloud cover and persistent cold with light northeasterly winds, though no heavy precipitation is forecast for the capital.
The central coastal band from Hà Tĩnh to Đà Nẵng and the eastern sections of provinces from Quảng Ngãi to Gia Lai will see scattered showers and rainbands. These areas will feel colder than usual despite intermittent rainfall.
By contrast the Central Highlands and the southern region maintained daytime sunshine on 4 January. Daytime highs in parts of the South exceeded 32°C, while nights grew cooler with isolated showers and thunderstorms. Minimum temperatures were forecast at roughly 14°C on the highland plateaux and 20–21°C in southern urban centres.
Region-by-region details issued by the weather centre included:
- North-east: Mostly cloudy with a few showers and morning mist. Temperatures 14–17°C, with mountainous spots dipping below 12°C and daytime maxima around 17–20°C. High terrain should guard against frost.
- Thanh Hóa to Huế: Northern parts (Thanh Hóa, Nghệ An) saw isolated rain, while southern reaches recorded scattered showers. Night-time lows 16–19°C and daytime highs 21–24°C.
- South-central coast: Cloudy with patchy rain and thunderstorms possible. Temperatures ranged from 20–30°C depending on location.
- Central Highlands and South: Sun by day, occasional evening showers. Highlands recorded lows near 14–17°C and highs 26–33°C across southern plains and coastal zones.
Authorities urged local communities to prepare for colder weather in the North, particularly those in vulnerable groups such as the elderly and young children. Farmers in the highlands were reminded to take measures to protect sensitive crops from frost damage. Road and transport operators were advised to monitor conditions closely where ice may form at higher elevations.
The weather service will continue to update forecasts and issue warnings as the expected cold front approaches. Residents are advised to follow local bulletins for any changes and to take routine precautions against low-temperature hazards.
Key Takeaways:
- Vietnam weather forecast: Northern regions remain in severe cold with risk of frost and icy conditions in highland areas.
- Hanoi stays cold with daytime highs below 20°C and a renewed cold front expected from the evening of 5–6 January.
- Central coast and southern provinces see scattered rain; Central Highlands and the South stay warmer by day but cool at night.
