Hanoi workers endure 40°C heat as Ba Dinh Square upgrade project carries on

The project is ongoing ahead of the country’s 80th National Day celebrations on September 2.

Dozens of workers remained on-site despite stifling conditions, with road-surface temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius by mid-morning.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said hot to extremely hot weather was recorded across most of northern Vietnam, excluding Dien Bien and Lai Chau Provinces.

Highs ranged between 36 and 38 degrees Celsius, with some areas exceeding 39 degrees Celsius.

Humidity levels fell to between 50 percent and 60 percent.

Construction worker Truong, from Ninh Binh Province, said he consumes up to six liters of water a day to cope with the heat.

Another worker said shifts typically begin at 7:00 am and can extend past 10:00 pm.

The Ba Dinh Square upgrade, which began on June 9, includes the demolition of buildings, the expansion of greenery areas, the installation of lighting systems, security fencing, the improvement of drainage and irrigation works, as well as resurfacing roads and sidewalks along Hung Vuong Street.

Authorities said the project has outpaced its deadlines after 55 days of construction.

It is expected to be completed in time for National Day events, which include a military parade.

Outside the Ba Dinh expansion site, other outdoor laborers also struggle under the intense heat in Hanoi.