STORY: Russians have rushed to air conditioners, ponds, and street fountains as a heatwave grips Moscow.

The air on Friday (July 11) warmed up to 35.2 degrees Celsius (95 Fahrenheit) making it the hottest day of the year, while Thursday set the temperature record for June 10 in the 21st century.

But despite record heat, many people enjoy the sunshine after the abnormally cool and rainy June.

“We all got enough cold weather in June. Now we have to heat ourselves up,” Moscow resident Artyom said while playing with his daughter in a street fountain.

Some other Muscovites Reuters spoke to said they would prefer to spend this time at the seaside rather than the city centre.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: MOSCOW, RUSSIA (JULY 11, 2025) (REUTERS - Access all)

1. VARIOUS OF PEOPLE COOLING OFF IN STREET FOUNTAIN

2. ARTYOM, ENTREPRENEUR, PLAYING WITH GIRL

3. (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) ARTYOM (NO LAST NAME GIVEN), ENTREPRENEUR, SAYING:

“Great. Yes. It is better than cold weather. We all got enough cold weather in June. Now we have to heat ourselves up.”

4. ARTYOM PLAYING WITH GIRL

5. TWO WOMEN WALKING

6. VERA PANKINA, IT SPECIALIST, WASHING FEET IN FOUNTAIN

7. (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) VERA PANKINA, IT SPECIALIST, SAYING:

“First, it was raining throughout June. Everyone was waiting for the sun to come. And finally, the sun appeared. Of course, this weather is good for a beach. It is hard to work under this type of weather. But (people can work) under air conditioner or drink colder beverages.”

8. VARIOUS OF WOMAN SUNBATHING NEAR FOUNTAIN

9. (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) YELIZAVETA BUDNIK, MANAGER, SAYING:

“Honestly, I am more or less OK with this kind of heat, because it is not so often that I am in the centre of Moscow. In general, it is enough to drink some cold water and stand somewhere under air conditioner (to cool off).”

10. WOMAN SUNBATHING

11. (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) YELENA ASTARKHOVA, ARTIST, SAYING:

“It is better to spend this type of summer at the seaside. Or at the very least, near a fountain. Here it feels better.”

12. WOMAN WITH CHILDREN

13. DRINKS AND DOUGHNUTS

14. OLGA, PSYCHOLOGIST, WAVING HAND FAN

15. (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) OLGA (NO LAST NAME GIVEN), PSYCHOLOGIST, SAYING:

“It is really hard to deal with such a heatwave when you are in the city. Air conditioners, fountains and greenery are helpful. (REPORTER ASKING IF SHE LIKES THE WEATHER) I like it when it is warm. I am in favour of warm weather, even heat.”

16. VARIOUS OF PEOPLE HAVING REST ON EMBANKMENT

17. (SOUNDBITE) (English) CODIE (NO LAST NAME GIVEN), RESIDENT OF CANADA, SAYING:

“It’s been exceptionally hot out. And it’s been nice to get to enjoy the weather. It is beautiful, sunshining. (REPORTER ASKING IF IT IS TOO HOT) It’s warm, yeah. But it’s been nice to have a walk by the river and spend quality time.”

18. PEOPLE HAVING REST ON EMBANKMENT

19. MOSKVA RIVER

20. VARIOUS OF THERMOMETER ON BUILDING OF RUSSIA'S CENTRAL BANK SHOWING +35°C (95 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT)

21. VARIOUS OF PEOPLE HAVING REST ON GRASS BY THE POND

22. MAN WALKING

23. MAN AND WOMAN COLLECTING THEIR BELONGINGS

24. VARIOUS OF MEN FISHING

25. COUPLE SITTING IN FRONT OF NOVODEVICHY CONVENT

26. GOLDEN DOMES

MOSCOW, RUSSIA (JULY 10, 2025) (REUTERS - Access all)

27. MAN EATING ICE CREAM

28. WOMAN LAYING UNDER TREE

29. FATHER KISSING DAUGHTER

30. PEOPLE LYING ON GRASS NEAR PATRIARCH POND