Frost blanketed Fansipan peak in white, giving it a European-like appearance.

According to cable car staff at the Fansipan summit station (Sa Pa, Lao Cai), a thin layer of frost appeared on the summit area yesterday morning and afternoon (December 17th) as temperatures dropped below freezing. This morning (December 18th), the frost continued to appear in greater density. The frost formed a thick layer, covering all vegetation and scenery in the Hoang Lien Son forest area.

This is the first frost of this winter to appear on Fansipan. The rare sight has led many to feel like they are in Europe. According to the National Center for Meteorological and Hydrological Forecasting, at 6 am this morning, Trung Khanh (Cao Bang) was the coldest place in the country with a temperature of only 2.4 degrees Celsius; followed by Sa Pa (Lao Cai) at 2.6 degrees Celsius. Several other localities also had low temperatures such as: Mau Son (Lang Son) 3.4 degrees Celsius; Cao Bang 5.3 degrees Celsius; Sin Ho (Lai Chau) 4.5 degrees Celsius…

Forecasts indicate that Northern Vietnam and North Central Vietnam will continue to experience severe cold weather today. During this cold spell, the lowest temperatures in the plains and coastal areas of Northern and North Central Vietnam will generally range from 8-11 degrees Celsius, while mountainous and hilly areas in Northern Vietnam will experience temperatures from 3-7 degrees Celsius, with some high mountainous areas dropping below 0 degrees Celsius. Temperatures from Quang Binh to Thua Thien Hue will generally range from 13-16 degrees Celsius; and from Da Nang to Quang Ngai, temperatures will generally range from 16-18 degrees Celsius.

Le Ho Uy Di