Temperatures in north-western mountain provinces which were first affected by the cold weather fell to 10-12 degrees Celsius at night, according to central weather forecasters.  

Residents living in north-eastern provinces also felt the chill early in the morning and late at night when temperatures tumbled to 13-15 degrees Celsius.

Another cold spell is forecast to hit the northern region in the middle of this week, and temperatures will drop by further 3-5 degrees Celsius.

North-western mountain localities such as the tourist resort town of Sa Pa will see temperatures to go down to 6-7 degrees Celsius in the coming days.

The cold spell will also cause heavy rains and strong winds when it heads further for the north-central and central regions.

The Central Committee for Flood and Storm Control has warmed that water levels in major rivers from Quang Tri to Binh Dinh provinces in central Vietnam would rise to the second alert level as a consequence of the cold weather accompanied by heavy rains.

The committee asked its provincial agencies to keep a close watch on river water levels to take prompt measures. 

These agencies were also asked to examine low-lying areas prone to floods and evacuate local residents living in these areas if required.