Moscow saw its fifth temperature record in August on Friday as the mercury soared to 36 degrees Celsius (96.8 degrees Fahrenheit), the Fobos meteorological center said.
The previous record of 35.4 degrees Celsius (95.7 degrees Fahrenheit) for August 6 was registered in 1920, the statement said.
A scorching heat wave has gripped much of central Russia since mid-June, sparking wildfires and causing the worst drought in decades.
Moscow was shrouded on Friday in a thick blanket of smog, the worst to hit the capital yet, as peat bog and forest fires continue to rage outside the capital. Health experts say pollution levels are so high that breathing has become as dangerous as smoking several packets of cigarettes a day.
Moscow officials say there is a high likelihood of elevator glitches across the city next week as temperatures are due to top 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).
The heat may also cause fire extinguishers to explode. An office employee told RIA Novosti that a fire extinguisher blew up at his office after the air conditioning was turned off.
Meteorologists say the heat will continue through and possibly beyond mid-August.
MOSCOW, August 6 (RIA Novosti)
