Temperatures peaked on Sunday and Monday across the densely populated Red River Delta region, a hugely important industrial and agricultural area, with the capital Hanoi experiencing its first-ever August day above 40C.

While Vietnam experiences hot weather every year, scientists say human-driven climate change is causing more intense weather patterns, including higher temperatures.

The normally bustling streets of Hanoi were quieter on Tuesday as locals hid from the burning heat.

Flower seller Ngo Thu Thuy told AFP of her exhaustion from riding her flower bike in the heat.

"I earn less as no one bothers to buy flowers in this heat. I still have to try my best to earn my living" said Thuy, 38, covered from head to toe to protect herself from the sun.

A construction worker who identified himself as Nam said "too many buildings and vehicles" has turned Hanoi into "a pan on fire" over the past two days.

Records set in past heatwaves in 2021 and 2024 were broken at 17 weather stations around the north, though rain forecast for Tuesday evening is expected to bring cooler temperatures.

One weather station in downtown Hanoi recorded a high of 40.3C, beating the city's previous August record of 39.8C set in 2021.

Outside Hanoi, stations in the provinces of Phu Tho, Tuyen Quang, Lang Son, Bac Ninh, Haiphong and Ninh Binh all reported record August highs.

"The air humidity in Hanoi and the delta area on Monday was only up to 52 percent, causing a distinct feeling of dryness and heat," Vietnam's top weather forecaster Nguyen Van Huong said in a statement released by the ministry of agriculture and environment.

Vietnam's electricity company EVN said consumption in Hanoi hit an all-time record at 1:28 pm (0628 GMT) on Monday as residents sought to cool off with fans and air-conditioning.

"I cannot imagine spending the night without air conditioning over the past few days," office worker Dang Xuan Huong told AFP.

"It's so strange that we are in August and it is still burning hot", Huong said.

But relief could be on the way -- rain forecast for Tuesday night is expected to bring temperatures down.

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