With no lead up to the heat wave, people in Hanoi immediately face the hottest days of summer after enjoying cool weather.
During recent days, the outdoor temperature in Hanoi was around 45 degrees, the highest in the past 46 years. Motorbike drivers said they felt it harder to breathe and the heat from the road and buildings was unbearable. Many chose to park under the shade of the trees or buildings while waiting at red lights. Locals constantly throw water outside in order to cool the pavements and the streets.
Tran Duc Bao, a student from the Hanoi University of Science and Technology, said they were trying to focus on preparing for the end-term exams which last until mid-June and they have nothing but small fans to fight the heat. There are 10 students in each room but their rooms don't have air conditioners or large fan because of small spaces.
Some students have gone to the library or to relatives' houses. The students stay at the dormitories cope by sitting on the ground and soaking their feet in a basin of water.
As a result, the library is overloaded. Nguyen Ngoc Anh, another student at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, said the library opened at 8 am and was full after five minutes. The university then decided to let students use nine classrooms with air conditioners for studying. At night, when everyone has to return to their rooms, they bring out the desks into the hallway.
Some photos of life in Hanoi during the heat wave:
Travellers cover themselves from head to toe on Hanoi streets
Finding shade while waiting for the red light
Traffic police sweat from the heat
Wearing a blanket to hide from the sun
Manual labours seek a nap under the trees or in pedestrian tunnels
During the weekend, Hanoi's streets are mostly empty and shops are deserted
Many rushed to swim in the city's lakes, including Linh Dam Lake
West Lake becomes a public pool
The number of visitors to the pools also increased by three to four times
A student lying on the ground and soaking his feet in water
Combing fans and a basin of water for cool wind
Shopping centres overcrowded as people flock there for cool air
