- Title: UKRAINE: Ukraine sweats through record-breaking heat
- Date: 8th August 2012
- Summary: ZOO VISITORS LOOKING AT BEARS IN GLASS ENCLOSURE
- Embargoed: 23rd August 2012 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Ukraine
- City:
- Country: Ukraine
- Topics: Quirky,Light / Amusing / Unusual / Quirky
- Reuters ID: LVA6KINXEWD14LSNKKUTJ593REBE
- Aspect Ratio:
- Story Text: A late-summer heatwave sweeps across Ukraine, bringing people and animals in the country's capital out in search of water and a way to cool off There was break in the heat in Kiev on Wednesday (August 8), a welcome respite from record-breaking summer temperatures that have swept through the former Soviet republic Ukraine.
In the capital city, people gathered near fountains in the city centre to cool off a day after the mercury in rose to 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit).
"It is very difficult in the city. But it is much easier to survive heat in the countryside. That's why we are going outside the city every evening to survive heat by the river," one Kiev resident Lesya told Reuters.
Dmytro said he found it difficult to stay inside while temperatures were high.
"I'm bearing up fine in the heat. I wouldn't say we've really had deadly heat in Kiev. It's stuffy of course. The most important thing is shade and fresh air. It's unbearable to stay inside," Kiev resident Dmytro said.
At the Kiev Zoo animals hid in the shade and swam in pools in their enclosures to escape the heat.
"Actually all animals, just like people, take the heat in different ways. It's easier for younger animals to survive the heat, but for older animals, naturally, it is more difficult," the Kiev Zoo deputy head Kostyanyn Orlov told Reuters, adding, "The main thing is how you feed the animals, and for animals this means water. When it's hot they want to drink more than they want to eat. That's why we try to supply them enough water, and to control their water supply."
Temperatures hovered around 27 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit) in Kiev on Wednesday, however, recorded highs of 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) on Tuesday (August 7) broke a 112 year record in the capital city.
Local meteorological services predicted that the heat would decrease in Ukraine over the next few days, but warned that another heatwave was expected by mid-August. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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