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Hanoi swelters in severe heatwave as surface temperatures hit 56 degrees Celsius at midday

26/05/2026 15:37

Hanoi sweltered under one of the most intense May heatwaves in recent years on Monday, with surface temperatures outdoors reaching 56 degrees Celsius as residents, construction workers, and traffic police struggled through oppressive heat and humidity.

Vietnam’s National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said northern and central regions were experiencing one of the three harshest May heatwaves since 2021.

Temperatures widely ranged from 37 to 40 degrees Celsius and exceeded 40 degrees in some areas.

Workers repaint railings along West Lake during a heatwave in Hanoi, Vietnam, May 25, 2026. Photo: Pham Tuan / Tuoi Tre

The heat began early in the morning and persisted into the evening, leaving streets radiating heat from asphalt, concrete, and metal surfaces across the capital.

Vietnam Television reported that surface temperatures outdoors reached as high as 56 degrees Celsius at midday in Hanoi, significantly higher than official meteorological readings recorded in standard weather shelters.

Residents cover themselves from the sun as temperatures rise in Hanoi, Vietnam, May 25, 2026. Photo: Thien Khoi

By late morning, many residents wrapped themselves in heavy layers of sun-protective clothing, masks, and gloves while crossing sparsely populated streets under cloudless skies.

At construction sites along Hanoi’s Ring Road 1 expansion project and the Tran Hung Dao bridge development area, workers continued operating excavators, rollers, and drills despite the extreme conditions.

Several workers said the period between late morning and early afternoon was the most difficult, with heat rising from the ground and enclosed machine cabins becoming unbearably hot without air conditioning.

Outdoor laborers frequently stopped to drink water and shield themselves from direct sunlight with makeshift tarps while trying to maintain construction schedules.

A street is seen during one of the harshest May heatwaves since 2021 in Hanoi, Vietnam, May 25, 2026. Photo: Pham Tuan / Tuoi Tre

Street vendors and delivery workers also remained on the roads throughout the day, covering themselves completely against the sun and carrying water to prevent dehydration.

On Hoang Minh Thao Street, a 60-year-old street vendor from Thanh Hoa Province paused under a roadside tree after walking in the midday heat carrying goods for sale.

“Hanoi is unbearably hot today, but I still have to work,” she said while wiping sweat from her face.

Traffic police officers continued directing vehicles at major intersections despite the heat.

The officers remained stationed at railway crossings and major junctions to manage traffic flow and reduce congestion during peak temperatures.

Authorities urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel during the hottest hours of the day, refrain from parking illegally under bridges for shade, and avoid leaving flammable objects such as lighters, batteries, and canned drinks inside vehicles.

Forecasters said the severe heat would continue across northern Vietnam and areas stretching from Thanh Hoa Province to Hue City through Wednesday, with temperatures remaining between 38 and 40 degrees Celsius in many locations.

Nguyen Van Huong, head of weather forecasting at the national meteorological center, said the current heatwave was longer and more severe than a previous hot spell earlier this month and ranked among the harshest May heat events recorded since 2021.