Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - A cold spell combined with a strong north-east monsoon isforecast to cause temperatures in the northern region to drop sharply,with frost in mountainous areas between January 28 and February 3,coinciding with Tet (Lunar New Year) holidays.

TheNational Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting on January 25 warnedthat the temperature is predicted to fall to 10-14 degrees Celsius in thenorthern delta provinces and 7-10 degree Celsius in northern mountainous areasfrom January 29.

Thenorthern region is also forecast to see showers, thunderstorms,hail and strong winds between January 28 and February 3, the centre said.

However,the weather will become warmer from February 3 in the region, with temperaturesof 13-20 degrees Celsius in the delta provinces and 10-13 degrees Celsiusin mountainous provinces, the centre said.

Temperaturesin provinces from Thanh Hoa to Thua Thien-Hue are expected to be 13-23 degreesCelsius between January 29 and February 2.

Theprovinces are also forecast to see showers during this time, the centresaid.

Thetemperatures in localities from Da Nang to Binh Thuan provinces arepredicted to be 19-30 degrees Celsius between January 30 and February 3. Sunnyweather is forecast in these localities.

Thesouthern region will experience sunny days from February 1-6 withtemperatures of 21-33 degrees Celsius, the centre added.

Thecentre also warned that a tropical low-pressure system south of thePhilippines will enter the southern part of the East Sea and is likely to gainstrength on February 2 or 3.

Inresponse to the situation, the National Steering Committee for Natural DisasterPrevention and Control has ordered all relevant provinces and cities to closelymonitor the weather’s developments to guide local people and preventdamage from severe cold weather, frost, heavy rainand thunderstorms during the Tet holiday.

Theprovinces and cities are told to make plans to respond to the situation,especially preparing equipment and materials as well as rescue forces thatstand ready to help local people overcome the consequences quickly andeffectively, the committee said.

Theyare ordered to implement measures to ensure safety for people, plants andanimals in mountainous areas during the severe cold weather and install warningsigns on roads that are likely to be icy and slippery to ensure safety for roadusers.

Localitiesare assigned to work with relevant agencies and local media outlets to providelocal people with information so they can cope with the coldweather, such as reinforcing their roofs and protecting householditems, vegetables, crops, and livestock in accordance with specific localconditions to minimise damage.

Coastallocalities from Quang Ninh to Kien Giang have to inform offshore vessels aboutthe weather developments so that they could have appropriate plans to cope withincidents, the committee said./.