Brian Jeffrey
In a chilly night in Hanoi, with temperatures dropping to 12°C (54°F), many young individuals ventured outdoors, enjoying hot beverages and leisurely walks while facing the winter’s harshness.
Despite the coldest night of the season so far, groups gathered around outdoor fire pits, embracing the low temperatures.
As the clock struck 11 p.m. on February 8, bustling cafés near West Lake remained packed with patrons seeking warmth from fire pits amidst the wintry air.
By 12:30 a.m., some youths walked down Hoan Kiem pedestrian streets, undeterred by the persistent cold winds. Couples shared moments on benches by the lake, although fewer visitors were seen in the city center than usual.
Even during the late hours, international tourists explored Hanoi, eager to soak in the unique nightlife and winter ambiance.
Close to Ta Hien Street, a group of young men huddled together, shivering while waiting for a taxi to return home after dining.
In the Old Quarter, shopkeepers were seen keeping their pets warm. A small dog named Tom was cozily wrapped in his owner’s coat as they waited for customers.
At Luong Ngoc Quyen Street, an elderly man, bundled in layers, rested on his motorbike, shielding himself from the cold with a scarf covering his neck and ears.
On Tran Nhan Tong Street, security guard Ngo Trong Minh used umbrellas to block wind on his makeshift bed on the sidewalk.
“With the recent nighttime rain and dropping temperatures, I set up barriers to protect myself from wind and use a small heater at my feet for warmth,” he shared.
The cold led to significantly fewer diners at late-night eateries in the Old Quarter, with many vendors closing up early.
At Dong Xuan Night Market, a street vendor sat curled up, awaiting customers. By 12:30 a.m., several shopkeepers had begun shutting down to escape the frigid temps.
As the clock moved to 2 a.m., the temperature fell further to 12°C (54°F), prompting both vendors and customers to wrap up their business quickly before heading to warmer locales. Some individuals even donned raincoats for extra protection against the bitter winds.
The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported that on February 8, cold air was advancing southward, reaching parts of Central and South-Central Vietnam.
Inland areas faced northeastern winds ranging from levels 3-4, with gusts hitting level 6 at coastal locations.
As of February 9, the cold wave persisted across northern Vietnam, with temperatures slipping to lows of 9-12°C in several regions, 5-8°C in mountainous areas, and dropping below 3°C in some elevated locations.
Daytime temperatures across the northern regions ranged from 13-15°C, while mountain areas peaked at 11-13°C.
Forecasts for Hanoi on February 9 indicated cloudy conditions with scattered rain, northeastern winds at level 3, and enduring cold temperatures.
Low temperature: 10-13°C
High temperature: 15-18°C
This cold spell is expected to persist until February 10, with potential snowfall and icy conditions in the higher mountainous areas of northern Vietnam.
