Many covered up from head to toe with jackets, face masks, sunglasses, gloves and wide-brimmed hats while traveling on the streets.
The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said temperatures ranged from 29-31 degrees Celsius in the early hours to 38-40 degrees later in the day, with some areas exceeding 40 degrees.
Nguyen Thu Trang said she applies sunscreen twice daily and wears sun-protective clothing outdoors, but still gets sunburned and feels a stinging heat on her skin.
She added that she usually keeps the air conditioner running at home all day.
A 70-year-old security guard said the prolonged heatwave has left many people exhausted, especially older residents like him. His guard booth, smaller than 1.1 square meters, is enclosed by metal sheets that absorb heat, making the inside even hotter.
“When it becomes unbearable, I have to step outside for some air and take a short rest.”
He said the oppressive weather has also affected his appetite, leaving him so drained on some days that he can only finish half of his lunch box.
At lunchtime, a street vendor on Hong Ha Street covered herself with a hat to block the sun while taking a short nap on the sidewalk.
A woman walks along Ma May Street in Hoan Kiem Ward on May 25, covered from head to toe with only her eyes visible.
Fruit seller Nguyen Van Thuong said the extreme heat had sharply reduced customers as people avoided going outdoors. Despite using tarpaulins, umbrellas and fans, he said the air still felt scorching.
The hot weather caused his fruits to wilt and spoil quickly, leading to losses, he said.
“On extremely hot days, I have to keep waiting until evening for customers to start coming, but the fruit often wilts and people complain about the quality.”
At a fashion store on Thuy Khue Street, mannequins are fully covered to limit the damage caused by the heat.
