According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the cold air will initially impact the northeastern region, including Ha Giang, before spreading to the plains and northwestern areas, such as Sa Pa.
AccuWeather, a U.S.-based weather service, forecasts that Hanoi's temperature on Friday will drop by 4 degrees compared to Thursday, ranging from 17-22 degrees during the day, with nighttime temperatures plunging below 14 degrees.
High-altitude areas above 1,500 meters, like Sa Pa, will experience harsher cold, with daily averages below 13 degrees on Friday and temperatures fluctuating between 6-13 degrees on Saturday.
The cold air will also extend to central provinces from Thanh Hoa to Thua Thien-Hue starting Friday. In Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and Ha Tinh, the lowest temperatures are expected to range between 12-15 degrees, with mountainous areas dropping below 10 degrees. From Quang Binh to Thua Thien-Hue, temperatures will range from 15-18 degrees.
Meteorological agencies predict that average temperatures nationwide in the next month will be consistent with long-term trends. However, cold air activity is expected to intensify, with frequent spells of severe cold likely, particularly in January.