Russia Endures Intense Heatwave, Moscow Surpasses Century-Old Record for Early July

İn 4 July, Russia experienced one of its hottest days in over a century, with Moscow surpassing a record set in 1917. Cities across the vast nation endured sweltering temperatures soaring beyond 35 degrees Celsius (95 Fahrenheit).

In Moscow, where winters can plunge to a frigid minus 40 degrees Celsius, the temperature hit 32.7 degrees Celsius on July 3. This surpassed the 1917 record for that date by half a degree, according to the FOBOS weather center.

Temperature records were shattered across Russia, from the Pacific coast and the remote regions of Siberia to the European territories, FOBOS reported.

The extreme heat led to a surge in demand for air conditioners and fans, while residents of Moscow consumed unprecedented amounts of ice cream and cold drinks. Water was distributed to passengers in the metro and on numerous trains.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin advised the city's metropolitan area residents, numbering over 20 million, to take necessary precautions and stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day.

"Throughout the day, the air temperature will exceed the climatic norm and rise above 30 degrees once again," Sobyanin stated.

He also mentioned that thunderstorms and potential hail were forecasted for Friday.