El Niño is expected to persist at very strong intensity from November through January 2027, according to the nationwide climate forecast issued by the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting. Average temperatures in November are expected to be 1-2 degrees Celsius above the long-term average.
Rainfall is projected to be 15-30 per cent above average in the northern region and 20-40 per cent below average in the central region. In December and January 2027, temperatures are expected to be 0.5-1.5 degrees higher nationwide, and 1-2 degrees higher in the Central Highlands and the south.
From February to April 2027, El Niño will persist while weakening from very strong to moderate-to-strong, then gradually returning to neutral. Average temperatures are expected to be 1-2 degrees above average.
Nguyễn Đức Hòa, deputy head of the centre's climate forecasting division, said storms and tropical depressions active in the East Sea and making landfall in Việt Nam from November 2026 to January 2027 are likely to be below the long-term average. From February to April 2027, none are likely to appear in the East Sea.
The average number of storms forming in the East Sea is 2.8, with 1.1 making landfall. Cold air masses are expected to be less active this year, intense cold will arrive later, and the northern and north-central regions are expected to have fewer severe or extreme cold days.
Severe or extreme cold spells could still cause sharp, short-lived temperature drops. Hòa said climate change is becoming more complex, with intense heatwaves, short periods of heavy rainfall, flash floods and landslides.
He advised the public and local authorities to follow forecasts and warnings, especially one-to-three-day forecasts, to adjust production plans, emergency response strategies and reservoir operations and protect infrastructure, downstream areas, production and daily life.
Sources: Viet Nam News
