Abstract: Modified vinyl acetate aqueous adhesive compositions containing acidic metal salt curing agents, which are suitable for exterior applications where water resistance is required, contain selected solvents as low temperature fusion aids. The adhesives are characterized by their film forming properties at temperatures as low as -1.degree. C., increased closed assembly times of at least up to 40 minutes, improved storage stability, and their satisfactory cold and hot water resistance. They consist essentially of a mixture of (a) an aqueous emulsion of a stabilized vinyl acetate/N-methylol acrylamide polymer; (b) a metal salt curing agent; (c) optionally a cross-linking inhibitor; and (d) 1-7%, based on the polymer solids, of ethylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, ethylene glycol diacetate, or tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol as the fusion aid.