NDO/VNA - Snow fell on the top of Fansipan Mountain in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai - the highest peak in Indochina - on December 26 when a strong cold spell hit the north and north central provinces.

At present, the temperature continues to decrease, low and mountainous areas in Lao Cai and the two region experience biting cold.
According to the Lao Cai hydro-meteorological station, the temperature at Fansipan Mountain will continue to drop, and sleet or frost is forecast to continue.

The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported that on the morning of December 27, the cold spell continued to affect the north and north central regions, with lowest temperatures dropping to 9 – 12 degrees Celsius in low areas, and from 4 – 7 degree Celsius in high mountainous areas.

The cold spell is also expected to bring moderate to heavy rains and low temperatures in the central region from Quang Tri to Binh Dinh on December 27.

The region is forecast to be struck by rain and thunderstorms, with whirlwinds, lightning, hail and strong winds expected in some locations.

This extreme weather phenomenon severely affects local lives and production. The temperature is likely to continue dropping in the coming days.

People are advised to keep updated on the weather forecast and keep warm, especially the elderly, children.

Those in central localities need to be alert for signs of flash floods.

Local authorities have been advised to actively roll out measures to protect and keep crops and cattle warm, particularly in mountainous locations.