On May 25, Hanoi endured another day of severe heat, with temperatures generally above 40 degrees Celsius. The Lang area registered the highest reading at nearly 40.7 degrees, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting. That figure is the air temperature measured inside the meteorological shelter, about 2 m above ground. Actual outdoor temperatures, especially over concrete, asphalt, and in densely built-up areas, run 2-4 degrees higher.
Streets were deserted, and the few people forced to be out were covered head to toe. Photo by The Bang
Workers spray water at a demolition site on the Ring Road 2.5 section through Khuong Dinh Street to suppress dust and cool the surrounding air. Photo by The Bang
In nearby Hai Phong City, the sky was clear with only wisps of white cloud, and the area around the Hai Phong Opera House was empty at midday on May 25. Photo by Le Tan
Kim Dong Park, on the central flower-bed boulevard in Hai Phong, is deserted at noon. Photo by Le Tan
Phuong Hoa, a delivery worker in Hai Phong, wore two layers of clothing to shield against the sun. Despite frequent shade breaks and drinking plenty of water, she said she still felt exhausted moving around outdoors over the past two days. Photographed at 10 a.m. on May 25. Photo by Le Tan
Residents stretched out on roadside grass and in the shade rather than venturing out in the heat. Photo by Nguyen Dong
Around 1 p.m., Truong Tien Bridge over the Perfume River carried only sparse traffic. On normal days the bridge sees heavy flows and frequent jams. Photo by Vo Thanh
To escape the heat, some residents brought hammocks under Truong Tien Bridge for midday naps.
According to National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting data at 1 p.m., seven northern and central provinces and cities recorded severe heat between 38.5 and 39.7 degrees: Phu Tho, Bac Ninh, Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, and Dak Lak.
All other provinces topped 35 degrees, the threshold for a heat wave. The heat is forecast to persist across the north and central regions through May 27-28.
At Thanh Hoa Province's largest agricultural and forestry products market, with temperatures near 40 C, the lanes inside the market stood empty.
Most stalls around the market shut down and stopped trading because of the extreme heat. The deserted scene contrasted sharply with the usual bustle of early and mid-morning. Photo by Le Hoang
At midday on May 25, a group of workers unloaded a truck of fruit fresh under blazing sun. Because protective gear would get in the way, most worked without masks or sun-protection jackets. The group is paid VND35,000 ($1.33) for each ton moved off the truck. "The sun scorches the skin, but for our livelihoods we have to push through and make the delivery time, even at midday," said Nguyen Van Hanh.
Photo by Le Hoang
Workers continued harvesting pineapples in Quang Trung Ward, Thanh Hoa. Bui Van Tuong, 42, said at peak harvest a team of 20-25 laborers works straight from early morning until nearly noon, gathering 20-30 metric tons of pineapples a day. Wages for cutting and carrying the fruit run VND500,000-600,000 ($19-23) per ton. The heat, Tuong said, makes the work far more draining. Workers carry water and cold towels and take frequent shade breaks to avoid heat exhaustion. Photo by Le Hoang
