Temperatures in Moscow on Friday reached 33 degrees Celsius (91 degrees Fahrenheit), breaking a 70-year record, Fobos meteorological center said.
"As of 15.00 Moscow time (11.00 GMT), meteorological stations in Moscow registered 33 degrees Celsius, 0.2 degrees higher the record set on July 16, in 1938," a meteorologist said.
Meteorologists say the heat wave in the entire Central Russia area will last until July 22.
Due to the heat, the army has allowed its soldiers to roll up their sleeves and unbutton their shirts and Moscow residents have been walking around under umbrellas to try and get some shade.
On July 17, the traditional changing of the infantry and cavalry guard at Cathedral Square near the Moscow Kremlin will be cancelled since it will be too hot for the sentries to wear their traditional early 20th century woolen parade uniforms and the horses are in danger of heatstroke.
MOSCOW, July 16 (RIA Novosti)
