Forecasters have warned the Mid-central region would face freezing temperatures as a cold front and spells of rain are set to hit the region.

The Mid-central region will come under the influence of a strong cold wave from Thursday, the Mid-central region Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said.

Regional forecasters predict that light to moderate rainfall is expected to lash over the region from late Wednesday afternoon with very heavy downpours and thunderstorms likely in some places under the influence of the strong cold front.

By the coastal areas they will see high winds at level 4 to 5, and gustiness of level 6 while farther inland you could find northeast winds at levels 3 to 4.

Cold temperatures are expected to strike the parts from Quang Binh to Thua Thien- Hue from Thursday, December 1 as temperatures are predicted to drop to 16 to 19 degrees Celsius, and even 14 to 17 degrees Celsius in their mountainous areas. Cold front will also see temperatures plummet in the parts from  Da Nang to Quang Ngai, with temperatures between 18 to 20 degrees Celsius, and even 17 to 19 degrees Celsius in their mountainous areas. The coolest temperatures are in the early morning and at night.

Moderate to heavy rain are likely to occur in the Mid-central region, including Da Nang, from Wednesday night into Saturday, December 3 with the possibility of very heavy rainfall and thunderstorm chances at  few places.

There are also warnings of thunderstorms, lightning strikes, high winds, tornadoes and hail in the region.

From Wednesday afternoon, the open waters off the Quang Binh - Quang Ngai coast will experience strong northeasterly winds reaching levels 5 to 6, sometimes increase to level 7, with gustiness of level 8, and rough sea with ​​waves as high as 2-4m. The waters around the Hoang Sa Archipelago could experience gusty northeast winds at level 7, and the gusts as high as level 9, as well as rough sea with waves as high as 2-4m, meteorologists at the regional weather service said.

Regional forecasters have issued warnings of strong winds and big waves to all vessels and fishermen at sea. The regional weather service have also issued a caution for fishermen and mariners, urging them not to go out into the sea during severe weather conditions, and to take the initiative to avoid dangerous areas or seek safe shelters during the bad weather.

Reporting by HOANG HIEP – Translating by H.L