Hoan Kiem Lake was notably deserted at noon, with sparse pedestrian traffic due to the intense heat. Female sanitation workers tended to the green areas in the shade, yet still needed to wear fan-equipped cooling vests.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the highest temperature recorded at the Lang station in Hanoi today was 39,6 degrees Celsius. This meteorological temperature, measured in a 2 m high, shaded shelter, means actual outdoor temperatures were 1-3 degrees Celsius higher.

The pedestrian and bicycle underpass at the Nga Tu So intersection has become a refuge from the heat and a midday resting spot for Khuat Van Tuan, a mobile plant vendor. He stated that due to the nature of his constantly moving work, he rests wherever convenient. However, he only takes brief naps as he must watch over his goods and regularly water and cool his plants to prevent wilting in the scorching sun.

An ice delivery worker on Tay Son street had a shirt drenched in sweat.

A study by National Economics University in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) reveals that heatwaves are increasingly impacting people's health and livelihoods. A survey of 734 outdoor workers in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City found that 94% of participants had experienced at least one heat-related health issue.

Trinh Phuc Tan, an employee at a shop on Yen Lang street, mentioned that the heat makes motorcycle seats scorching hot, even when covered. To ensure customer comfort when picking up their bikes, the shop often uses ice or wet cloths to wipe down the seat surface and reduce its temperature.

At the Ring Road 2,5 construction site, the contractor uses water spraying trucks to reduce dust during material transport in the hot weather. To protect worker health, many construction tasks have had their schedules adjusted, focusing on early mornings and late evenings.

At a temperature display sign on Lang Ha street, the recorded temperature was approximately 40 degrees Celsius at 13h25.

Many drivers install additional fans and carry ice water to drink while waiting for passengers. Since each charge lasts three hours, they only turn on the fans during their midday breaks. Associate Professor Doctor Bui Duc Tho, President of National Economics University, stated that extreme heat is no longer just a weather or environmental issue but is gradually becoming a new social welfare risk, directly affecting workers' health, employment, income, and quality of life.

At 12h, Bac Co flower garden was packed with cyclos drivers resting and eating. Most come from northern provinces, living in cramped, hot rented rooms, so their daytime activities primarily occur outdoors, only returning to their rooms late in the evening.

Sitting under a tree for lunch, Dinh Ngoc Tuat, 56, from Hong Ha ward, said the heat has significantly reduced his customer numbers, with some days earning only around 80,000 dong. "We hope for suitable places to rest and escape the heat," Tuat said.

Workers rested under tree canopies on Thanh Nien street, Tay Ho ward, at noon, when the heat peaked. Other workers stopped their vehicles under an overpass, finding shade for their midday break.

Nguyen Van Trong 9, 60, (left), a security guard at a shop near the Lang Ha - Le Van Luong overpass, stated that his job requires constant supervision of property and vehicles, as well as assisting customers, making it impossible to stay in an air-conditioned room for long.

"It's very cool inside, but constantly moving in and out can easily lead to heat shock. Fortunately, the area under the overpass is quite airy and shaded, so I often rest here to escape the heat while still performing my duties," Trong said.

At 12h30, the pedestrian underpass near Nga Tu So was quite cool but deserted. At 11h, Pham Hung street saw sparse traffic. This road, typically home to many office buildings and urban areas, usually experiences high traffic density during peak hours.

The Bang - Hoang Giang - Thanh Hai