Workers struggle under scorching early-summer heat in Hanoi
VOV.VN - As the capital city is enduring intense early-summer heat, labourers are battling extreme weather conditions just to make a living.
Hanoi is currently experiencing its first major heatwave of the summer, with temperatures soaring above 35°C, blanketing the city in sweltering heat.
April 17 marks the third consecutive day of the heatwave in the city, with temperatures rising by another 1°C.
The early summer sun has taken many Hanoi residents by surprise, as they have yet to fully adapt to the sudden heat. The harsh, burning sunlight has left many feeling tired, irritable, and drained, especially when having to move around outdoors.
The oppressive weather has made daily life increasingly difficult, especially for those who must work outdoors to make a living.
“I’m not used to this sudden heat and at my age, it’s easy to get heatstroke. If it’s already like this at the start of summer, I can’t imagine how next month will be,” shares Nga, a resident of Thanh Xuan District.
"My body is still used to the cold, so I haven’t had time to adjust. Even eating habits have changed - I’ve been feeling tired and sluggish all day," says Hong, a vendor at Ha Dong Market.
At a construction site of a high-rise building in Thanh Xuan district, a group of builders work tirelessly despite the scorching heat. Quan, 44, a construction assistant, says he has high blood pressure, and when the weather changes suddenly, it’s really dangerous.
Weather forecasts predict that the coming weekend will be even hotter, with temperatures expected to reach a high of 36°C. The most intense heat is likely to occur between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., making this period especially hazardous for outdoor activities.
According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, this heatwave is expected to last until around April 22, with widespread high temperatures ranging from 35°C to 37°C, and some areas possibly exceeding 38°C.
Low humidity and high UV index pose serious health risks, including heatstroke, sunburn, heat exhaustion and skin damage from direct sunlight. Health authorities urge people, particularly those working outdoors or commuting during peak sun hours to wear protective clothing, use sunscreen, stay hydrated, and limit direct sun exposure as much as possible.