A new cold wave has been hitting Hanoi since December 14 night, accompanied by scattered rain in some areas, according to the National Hydro-meteorological Forecast Center (NCHMF).

The center said that the very strong cold front will affect the northern mountainous provinces of Vietnam and then expand to other areas in the region and certain parts of the central Vietnam.

The cold front is quite strong, and with the winter wind bringing in humidity from the sea, drizzles are expected. The front can last three to five days and temperatures will likely drop to 7-12 degrees Celsius.

According to the NCHMF, temperatures in Hanoi has been falling to 11-17 degrees Celsius until December 19.

This is the first cold wave in the north during the 2020-2021 winter season.

It is cloudy during the day and the difference in day-night temperatures is likely to be just 2-4 degrees Celsius.

Ride hailing motorcycle drivers wear seasoned clothes to keep themselves warm.

People carefully don wool towels, gloves, face masks when going out.

Pedestrians are careful when taking children to school along Long Bien bridge in Hanoi which is prone to high and gusty winds.

Vehicles moved slowly across Long Bien bridge on December 15 morning.

Around Hoan Kiem lake, the less people exercising in the early morning due to the freezing weather.

The temperature in Hanoi could fall further this night, people are recommended to wear coats, gloves, hats and masks when going out.

The NCHMF forecasts that about 24-27 waves of cold air will likely strike Vietnam in the winter of 2020-2021. Particularly in December, temperatures are predicted to be 0.5-1 degrees Celsius lower than those of the same period of last year. The damaging cold spells (some 10 and 15 degrees Celsius) will appear more in January.