Moscow saw its sixth temperature record in August on Sunday as the mercury soared to 34.7 degrees Celsius (94.5 degrees Fahrenheit), the Fobos meteorological center said.
The previous record of 33.2 degrees Celsius (91.8 degrees Fahrenheit) for August 8 was registered in 1932, 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.
On Saturday, Moscow saw its worst air pollution in 2010, with carbon monoxide levels being 6.5 times more than the maximum allowable concentration as peat bog and forest fires continue to rage outside the capital. The concentration of other poisonous substances in the city air was nine times above the norm.
Health experts say pollution levels are so high that breathing has become as dangerous as smoking several packets of cigarettes a day.
Meteorologists say the heat will continue through and possibly beyond mid-August.
MOSCOW, August 8 (RIA Novosti)
