Sweat it out: Saigonese struggle as heat wave bakes city

By Quynh Tran, Thanh Nguyen April 28, 2018 | 08:11 pm PT

Saigon is going through extreme summer heat in the end of April, prompting people to resort to various cooling methods.

Motorbike drivers hide under a bridge awat from the red light as afternoon temperatures reach 37-39 degrees Celsius, or 98.6 -102 degrees Fahrenheit.

Motorbike drivers wrap themselves up from the sun.

Sang, a construction worker in Go Vap District, is all sweaty under the scorching heat. “I bathe in sweat," he said. "I have to take a drink break every 10 minutes."

Phan Tan, a xe om motorbike taxi driver, uses a jacket to shield him from the sun while waiting for passengers on Truong Chinh Street in Tan Binh District.

Heat wave makes life tougher for outdoor workers.

A female worker covers up her face to spray water onto the road to cool down the temperatures.

A construction worker covers herself up as she sprays water in front the construction site to cool down the air.

The blistering hot weather in Saigon makes people, especially children tired and susceptible to catch diseases. During the peak sunny days, hospitals are crowded with child patients.

The blistering hot weather makes people, especially children, fall sick. Saigon hospitals are crowded with child patients these days.

Many residents flock to the bank of Saigon River to rest and enjoy a cool atmosphere there.

Many residents flock to the Saigon River for some cool air.

Swimming pool is an ideal hideaway for Saigonese. April has been forecast as the hottest month in the city this year. Temperatures ranging from 37 to 39 degrees Celsius are said to be the daily norm until early May, when the rainy season officially begins.

Swimming pool is an ideal hideaway. April is usually the hottest month in the city. Temperatures ranging from 37 to 39 degrees Celsius are said to be the daily norm until early May, when the rain season begins.