Sizzling weather has struck Ho Chi Minh City over the past several days, with temperatures hitting 37 degrees Celsius, affecting the daily life of local residents, according to the Southern Hydro-Meteorological Station.

On April 25, the highest temperature in the city was 37 degrees Celsius, higher than that in many southern provinces, such as Tien Giang (35 degrees), Can Tho (35.6 degrees) and Soc Trang (34.5 degrees).

Over the weekend, the city’s highest temperature was a bit lower, at 36 degrees on both Saturday and Sunday.

At 1:00 pm on Monday, temperature was lower, at 33 degrees, and the day’s highest measurement is forecast to reach 35 degrees.  

From Tuesday to Friday, temperatures will range from 34 to 35 degrees before rising to 36 degrees this weekend.

Various ways to avoid heat

Over the past few days, Tuoi Tre reporters have witnessed many people flee to the land area below the Ong Lanh Bridge, which links District 1 to District 4, and lie on a mat placed on the ground as a way to shelter from the hot weather.

Meanwhile, many parents at Pediatrics Hospital 2 in District 1 are always busy fanning their children with paper fans.  

A man whose child is being treated at the hospital said his kid is sharing a bed with another, so he often takes him out of the room for fresh air.

Some parents even let their children unclothed as it is so hot now.

Many café and eatery owners have sprayed water in the area in front of their shops to reduce the heat from the sidewalk and roadway.

In the meantime, many adults and children have flocked to swimming pools, such as Yet Kieu along the Thi Nghe Bridge in District 1, leading to an overload.

The prolonged heat has pushed up humidity in the air to a rate of 70-80 percent, increasing the sense of hotness and mugginess, the Southern Hydro-Meteorological Station said.