Hanoians flock to water park and river to cool off in blazing heat

The local meteorological agency recorded the temperatures in Hanoi and 11 provinces in the north at 40-42 degrees Celsius on Saturday.

Two of the five measuring stations in the capital recorded temperature of 40 degrees Celsius.

The sizzling weather and humidity at only 30-40% saw people flock to the West Lake Water Park in Tay Ho District to cool off.

The wave pool area is often full. An estimated 1,000 people came to the water park on Saturday afternoon.

Located 10 km from the center of Hanoi, West Lake Water Park spans 6.4-hectares with areas for both children and adults.

The children's pool area was also crowded with kids and their parents.

Dang Van Nam, who lives in Cau Giay District, said he went to the water park to cool off because it was a hot day on the weekend.

"The park is crowded, but being immersed in the cool water got rid of all my frustration," he said.

Dozens of security guards were mobilized to maintain safety at the pools.

About 2 km away at the foot of Thang Long Bridge, many went to the Red River to cool off.

Although the government prohibits bathing in the river, hundreds of people still flocked there.

Due to a heat wave to the west and the Foehn wind effect, on May 3 the northwest and the mountainous area from Thanh Hoa to Thua Thien Hue Province experienced hot weather. A day later, the rocketing temperatures expanded to the whole of the northern and central regions.

The sweltering weather is forecast to continue until Sunday.