Cold air mass from China to reduce heatwave across Vietnam next week

Over the last week, all three regions across Vietnam has been gripped by intense heat, driven by a strong western low-pressure zone and foehn winds.

Temperatures in the country’s north have consistently hovered between 35 and 39 degrees Celsius (95-102.2 degrees Fahrenheit).

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) predicts that on April 13, the northwest region, including Sa Pa, will still face peaks of 36 to 38 C, with some areas exceeding 39 C. The northeast, including Ha Giang, will remain between 34 and 36 C, while coastal areas like Quang Ninh and Hai Phong will stay slightly milder at 32 to 34 C.

The relief begins between April 14 and 15, as a cool air mass from mainland China moves southward. This shift is expected to break the northern heatwave by April 16. However, the transition may be volatile and trigger showers and thunderstorms between April 16 and 18. Midland and mountainous areas are particularly at risk for heavy rain, hail, lightning, and strong winds.

Data from American site AccuWeather suggests a strong cooldown for Hanoi from April 17, with temperatures expected to plunge 11 degrees lower than current levels, settling between 23 and 28 C.

High-altitude destinations like Sa Pa will see a similar drop, falling from an early-week high of 29 C to a chilly 13 to 17 C by the weekend, it said.

Central Vietnam has faced the most extreme conditions since early April.

From Thanh Hoa to Hue, temperatures have frequently hit 38 to 40 C, with some spots surpassing 41 C. This severe stretch is forecast to last until April 14. Starting April 15, the incoming cold air will weaken the low-pressure system, likely ending the heatwave by April 17.

The south and Central Highlands have also been under a widespread heat advisory since the start of the month, with highs ranging from 35 to 37 C.

A gradual decline is expected starting April 15, with the heatwave likely concluding around April 17.

In Ho Chi Minh City, residents can look forward to potential afternoon rains in the latter half of next week and more manageable highs of 34 to 35 C, according to AccuWeather.

Despite this temporary reprieve, meteorological authorities warn that April 2026 remains hotter than many years’ average. The northwest, the south, and the central coast are seeing temperatures 1.5 C to 2.5 C higher than normal.

Heatwaves are expected to increase in frequency and intensity across northern and central Vietnam starting in May, lasting through August.

Nguyen Van Huong, head of the NCHMF’s Weather Forecasting Department, noted last week that 2026 will likely see more frequent and intense heat events throughout the summer season.