St. Petersburg experienced its hottest day of the year on Wednesday, July 30th, with temperatures reaching a scorching +31.8 degrees Celsius. The heat prompted residents to seek refuge from the sun.

The afternoon saw city dwellers flocking to waterways and shaded areas in an attempt to cool down. Lawns near bodies of water and parks were filled with people seeking respite from the heat, even on a weekday.

Embankments were crowded with individuals cooling their feet in the water. The beach near the Peter and Paul Fortress was a popular destination for sunbathing and swimming.

While some people braved the direct sunlight, most sought shade under trees or even bridges to escape the intense heat.

According to Mikhail Leus, a leading specialist at the Phobos center, Wednesday’s temperature surpassed the previous high of +31.7 degrees Celsius recorded on July 25th by 0.1 degrees. The final temperature maximum for the day was determined later in the evening as the sun continued to warm the city.