Red Hot In Red Square
Extreme heat and smog has left residents and tourists in Moscow gasping for air.
The smog has been fuelled by dozens of forest and peat fires, which have been burning outside the Russian capital amid soaring temperatures. Even famous landmarks such as Red Square have been enveloped.
The temperature has hit a record 38 degrees Celsius (99F) in a heatwave that’s said to have wrecked a fifth of Russia’s arable land. The month of July has been the hottest since records began 130 years ago.
As harmful impurities in the air exceeded normal levels by up to eight times, doctors advised people to stay indoors as much as possible with windows shut, and cover their faces with scarves or masks when out in the street.
Moscow is home to about ten million people and has about 4 million foreign visitors a year.
by Andy Moreton
Most of the time, the Russian capital is a cool place to visit! Have a look at the two luxury hotels in Moscow on Luxique’s list.
