The northern region of Vietnam is preparing for its first cold snap of the winter season, expected to occur in the latter half of December. According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, this winter may see a late onset of severe cold weather, with fewer days of extreme cold predicted compared to historical averages.

Weather forecasts indicate that the cold air activity will be weaker than usual, and the number of days with severe cold and frost will likely be lower than the average over the years. From December 2026 to January 2027, the cold snap is anticipated to be less intense, although residents are still advised to take precautions against potential cold spells.

The ongoing El Niño phenomenon is expected to influence Vietnam's weather significantly during the latter part of 2026. Currently, El Niño is active and is projected to strengthen further, leading to higher average temperatures across the country. The average temperature in the northern regions and Thanh Hoa is expected to be 1 to 1.5 degrees Celsius above the historical average, while other areas may see increases of 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius.

This warmer winter trend is expected to contribute to a reduced frequency of severe cold spells. However, this does not mean that cold weather will be absent. Forecasts suggest that there may still be occurrences of severe cold, particularly in January 2027, especially in the northern mountainous regions where temperatures could drop significantly, potentially leading to frost and snowfall.

In addition to the cold weather, the El Niño effect may also increase the likelihood of extreme weather events, prompting local authorities and residents to stay vigilant and monitor weather updates closely. The potential for heavy rainfall and thunderstorms is also a concern, especially in the central regions of Vietnam.