HCMC – HCMC turned unusually cold on the morning of January 9, with temperatures dropping to around 17 degrees Celsius, the lowest level recorded in the city in 10 years, according to the Southern Regional Hydrometeorological Center.
The agency said a strong cold air mass from the north had intensified and spread deep into southern Vietnam. Combined with cloud-radiation effects, this caused temperatures in HCMC to fall sharply overnight on January 8 and in the early hours of January 9. Readings at local weather stations fell below 18 degrees Celsius, the lowest since 2016, while actual outdoor temperatures may have been 2-3 degrees lower.
In the days prior, nighttime and early-morning temperatures in the city ranged between 20 and 22 degrees Celsius, levels already considered cold by local standards. However, the chill on January 9 was more pronounced, particularly for early-morning commuters, especially those traveling by motorbike.
Meteorologist Le Thi Xuan Lan said this was the coldest day since the start of the season and that low temperatures could persist for several days. Additional cold air surges may continue to affect southern Vietnam, including HCMC, as northern regions enter the peak winter period.
She attributed the frequent deep cold spells this year to the influence of La Niña. A similar phenomenon was last recorded in 1995, when La Niña activity pushed temperatures in HCMC down to 16-17 degrees Celsius.
Experts noted that temperatures below 18 degrees Celsius are rare in HCMC and typically occur only once every several years, mainly due to the combined impact of La Niña and intensified cold air masses from the north.
Forecasts show that southern Vietnam will remain under the influence of cold air surges through mid-January, with temperatures commonly at 20-22 degrees Celsius, potentially lasting until close to the Lunar New Year 2026.
Authorities have warned that large day-night temperature differences and low humidity could increase the risk of respiratory illnesses among the elderly and children, as well as heighten fire hazards.
