Cold spell to persist until January 11, plateau areas coldest

Low temperatures will prevail across the whole of Laos until January 11, accompanied by isolated showers and wind gusts, with temperatures lowest in the northern provinces, Xaysomboun province, and plateau areas, according to the Meteorology and Hydrology Department.
Minimum temperatures of 6-14C are forecast for the northeastern provinces of Phongsaly, Huaphan and Xiengkhouang, with light rain showers and fog in the early mornings.
The same conditions are forecast for the northwestern provinces of Oudomxay, Bokeo, Luang Prabang, Luang Namtha and Xayabouly, where lows will range from 8-14C.
In the central provinces, early mornings will be cool with occasional light showers.
Temperatures will also remain low in the southern provinces, where mornings will be cool but conditions will be much warmer in the afternoons.
However, plateau areas will be much cooler with morning fog and occasional strong winds. Minimum temperatures will range from 3-5C.
The Thai Meteorological Department has also forecast low temperatures in the northeastern provinces adjoining Laos, with strong winds expected from January 6-10 along with a 4C drop in temperature. Minimum temperatures will range from 7-18C.
Temperatures will be lower on mountaintops, where minimums will range from 5-10C, and cool northeasterly winds with speeds of 15-35km/hr will add to the chill.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update January 7, 2026)