Vietnam is expected to experience its first widespread cold spell of the 2026–2027 winter. Temperatures in the north and north-central region may fall to 16–19 °C, with some northern mountain areas below 13 °C. Central Vietnam may see widespread heavy rain for four days.
The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said on the afternoon of November 4 that a weak, easterly displaced cold front would affect northern Vietnam from the night of November 5 to the morning of November 6. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are forecast in the northern mountains and midlands.
A stronger cold spell may reach northern provinces and cities around November 8–9. Rain, showers and thunderstorms are expected during that period. Temperatures in the north and north-central region may drop to 16–19 °C, with some northern mountain areas below 13 °C. The weather will turn cool, while mountain areas will become cold.
Cold air to bring heavy rain to central Vietnam
From the night of November 8 to November 12, northeast winds over the Gulf of Tonkin and the sea from southern Quang Tri to Quang Ngai are expected to strengthen to level 6–7, with gusts of level 8–9. Waves may reach 2–4 meters and the sea will be rough.
In the northern South China Sea, including the Hoang Sa special administrative unit, northeast winds may reach level 6–7, with gusts of level 8–9. Waves may reach 3–5 meters and the sea will be rough.
The forecasting center said a combination of strong low-level cold air, upper-level easterly disturbances and central Vietnam's terrain may bring widespread heavy rain from November 9 to 12. The affected area may extend from Thanh Hoa to Hue, Da Nang and the eastern parts of the provinces from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak.
The center expects total rainfall in northern Vietnam in November to be 15–30% above the long-term average. Rainfall in Thanh Hoa to Ha Tinh and southern Vietnam is expected to be close to the average, while other areas may receive 20–40% less rain than the average for the same period.
El Niño made October the hottest in 65 years
The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said strong El Niño conditions affected October, pushing average temperatures nationwide 1–2 °C above the long-term average. In northern Vietnam, the average was 2–3 °C higher. In some southern areas, the increase was 0.5–1 °C.
The nationwide average temperature in October 2026 was 26.3 °C, or 1.74 °C above the long-term average for the same period. It was the highest value recorded for that period in the observation series dating back to 1961.
A total of 148 weather stations nationwide recorded monthly average temperatures at or above historical values for the same period, including 80 stations in the north. Daily maximum temperatures reached or exceeded historical values at 98 stations, including 69 in the north.
Sources: Thanh Niên
