As temperature dropped to -2 degrees Celsius at around 7 a.m., thin layers of frost began to form on the branches and canopies of trees. There was also sleet on a signboard on the 3,143 m peak.

Cold air has now impacted all of the northern Vietnam regions and much of the central Vietnam regions. In Hanoi, the lowest temperature recorded on Saturday morning was 12 degrees, a drop of 4 degrees compared to Friday.

Mountainous localities, like Lao Cai, Lang Son, Ha Giang, Lai Chau and Dien Bien, see temperatures drop below 10 degrees.

In central Vietnam, the lowest temperatures were recorded in certain locations in Thanh Hoa, Ha Tinh and Quang Tri, down to 15-17 degrees.

Meteorologists said temperatures would likely continue to drop on Saturday and Sunday due to the mass of cold air. The lowest temperatures recorded at the plains and coastal areas of northern and central Vietnam would be around 8-11 degrees.

Mountainous areas would see temperatures at around 3-7 degrees, with some locations going below 0 degree. Areas from Quang Binh to Thua Thien-Hue would record temperatures at 13-16 degrees, while regions from Da Nang to Quang Ngai would see temperatures at 16-18 degrees.

The coldest periods during this winter will mainly be between December and February next year, with each period lasting around 2-5 days.

Source: VNE