Hanoi gasped for air as higher-than-average temperatures and severe UV levels left streets deserted Thursday. 

The mercury rose to 38-40 degrees Celsius by Thursday afternoon.

Bui Van Thong, an employee of the Hanoi Sewerage and Drainage Company, sits under a shade to take a break from the heat.

"The weather is really hot today and I can feel it rising from the ground," he said. "My colleagues and I have to work even harder in this intense weather since it is our responsibility. We take small breaks and resume work soon."

A girl in front of a store on Ton Duc Thang Street protects herself from the sun with a cloth as the UV index rose to 8-10.

The UV Index measures the ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Between 0 and 3 is considered low while above 11 is 'very high', meaning radiation that could burn skin and damage eyes in 20-30 minutes.

Nguyen Duc Chung (right) wears a hat and a wet towel to absorb the sweat and keep out the sun when working outdoors.

Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square in Hoan Kiem District is deserted at noon.

On Le Van Luong street, a man pours water on his face to cool down.

Some cover up completely when going out.

A man hoses down the sidewalk to cool things down a bit.

Severe heat waves are again forecast for the north in May and June, while in the north-central and central regions the scorching weather is expected to continue until August.

Since the beginning of the year, the average temperature across Vietnam has been 1-2.5 degrees Celsius higher than normal, and the trend is forecast to last until October.