Residents in Ho Chi Minh City have been plagued by the prolonged scorching heat, with a high of nearly 40 degrees Celsius, over the last few days.

The heat wave hit the southern metropolis from April 11 to 13, with the highest temperatures recorded from 36 to 38 degrees Celsius, according to the Southern Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.

Temperatures are forecast to drop down within the next few days, only to rise again thereafter, the center said.

The blistering weather has troubled residents across Ho Chi Minh City, forcing them to seek various means to escape the oppressive heat.

Many local people have chosen to seek shelter in shaded under trees, bridges, or in citywide parks.

“At noon, I often come to rest under bridges or near the river to escape the searing heat before going back to work in the afternoon,” Hien, a resident in District 1, said.

Commuters, mainly motorcyclists, have to cover themselves from head to toe with hats, face masks, sunglasses, jackets, and gloves when traveling during the day.

Air-conditioned coffee shops are also frequented by customers who want to enjoy cool air.

Dinh, a delivery man for a shop selling ice cubes, said that orders have increased significantly over the last few days and he had to work from dawn to dusk to meet the rising demand.

Rainfall is expected to begin at the beginning of May in Ho Chi Minh City, according to the Southern Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.

Other southern Vietnamese provinces are forecast to enter the rainy season at the end of this month.

People rest under a tree on Hoang Sa Street, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Two construction workers rest under a bridge on Hoang Sa Street, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Tuoi Tre

A man takes a nap under a bridge on Hoang Sa Street, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Motorcyclists dress with gloves, face masks and jackets to protect themselves from the burning heat. Photo: Tuoi Tre

A group of office workers holds a jacket above their heads while walking on the street. Photo: Tuoi Tre

A customer drops by a street beverage booth for some cold drinks. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Two men repair a motorbike at a park instead of doing it in their repair shop to escape the heat inside. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Two motorbike taxi drivers take a rest under a tree on Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 5. Photo: Tuoi Tre

A street vendor of beverages leans on her booth to rest and escape the direct sunlight. Photo: Tuoi Tre

A pedestrian quenches his thirst with a cold drink while walking on Le Duan Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Tuoi Tre