Rainy and cold conditions are prevailing in the mid-central region due to the strong influence of an intense cold front and the upper-tropospheric easterly winds, according to the Mid-Central Region Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting.

The parts from Quang Binh to Quang Ngai, including Da Nang, could continue to witness light rain showers from Thursday, December 9 with possibility of moderate to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in some places.

By the coast they will see northeast winds at level 3 to 4 and farther inland you could find strong winds at level 2 to 3.

The South of the East Sea (including the Truong Sa (Spratly) Islands), will see showers, and thunderstorms which can produce strong winds, lightning, hail and tornadoes.

The offshore areas stretching from Quang Tri to Quang Ngai, including Da Nang, will see northeast winds at levels 6 to 7 and the gusts reaching level 8, as well as experience rough seas with waves as high as 2m-5m.

Cold snap continues in the parts from Quang Binh to Thua Thien-Hue. Minimum temperature in the Delta Region of these areas will be in the range of 16-18 degrees Celsius, and temperatures likely fall further to 14-16 degrees Celsius in their mountainous areas.

The parts from Da Nang to Quang Ngai will see cold temperatures in the range of 18-20 degrees Celsius for the morning and night hours, and even plummet to 17-19 degrees Celsius in their mountainous areas.

Strong winds at level 6, with a gust of level 8, and very rough sea are reported in the offshore areas stretching from Quang Binh to Quang Ngai, including Da Nang.

Clinicians are reminding people across the mid-central region, including Da Nang, about the importance of keeping warm this winter.

Health experts are urging elderly, kids and vulnerable people in particular to take extra steps to help protect their health as conditions become more wintery.

People are urged to keep warm, eat well and stay active. Those who need to take extra care include people who are aged 60 or over, kids and those living with a long term condition such as heart disease.

Evidence shows that prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. It can also worsen respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma particularly with sudden temperature changes such as moving from indoors to outdoors.

Reporting by NAM TRAN – translating by H.L