A scorching heat wave engulfing Russia since mid-June has lured Muscovites into pools and aqua parks.
Temperatures in Moscow have hovered at around 30 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit) for four weeks now, and there is little sign of relief in the near future. Temperatures are expected to top 35 degrees toward the end of this week.
"In summer, the attendance of aqua parks always increases by some 30% even though it's vacation time," a spokeswoman for a large Moscow aqua park said.
"But the abnormal heat has brought twice as many Muscovites to our aqua park. Over the last few weeks, the number of weekend visitors has soared from 900 to 2,100," she said.
Another way to beat the heat is to go to a swimming pool.
"In summer, the normal turnout at our swimming pool is around 250 people a day. The terrible heat has driven 10-15% more Muscovites to us in the past month," a spokeswoman for a swimming pool in western Moscow said.
Or if going to a public swimming pool is too much of a bother, you can buy yourself one. Lucky owners of country houses, or dachas, have raided shops and online stores for inflatable pools.
"Of course, sales of inflatable pools have risen! By some 70%... We're receiving orders non-stop," an employee of an online store told RIA Novosti.
MOSCOW, July 20 (RIA Novosti)
