Rainy and cold conditions are prevailing in Central Viet Nam, according to Viet Nam’s National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.

The northern part of the region from Thanh Hoa to Thua Thien- Hue on Monday, January 3, could continue to witness showers while the southern part is likely to see scattered showers with possibility of thunderstorms in some places. These areas will see chilly temperatures at night into the morning hours. Maximum and minimum temperatures will hover around 19-22 degrees Celsius and 17-20 degrees Celsius in these areas.

The northern part of the region from Da Nang to Binh Thuan today could continue to witness scattered showers while the southern part is likely to see light rain with possibility of thunderstorms in some places. These areas will see cold temperatures for the morning and night hours. Temperatures in these areas can expect lows of 21 to 24 degrees Celsius and highs of 24 to 27 degrees Celsius in the northern part, and 28 to 30 degrees Celsius in the southern part.

Showers are expected across the Central Highlands and there is a chance of thunderstorms in some places. Maximum and minimum temperatures will hover around 25-28 degrees Celsius and 17-20 degrees Celsius.

Clinicians are reminding people across Central Viet Nam, 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 Vietnam⁺ - Translating by H.L