Moscow celebrated Russia Day in grips of record-breaking heat

Over 100,000 people celebrate Russia Day in Moscow, gripped by the record high temperature of 31 degrees Celsius (about 88 degrees Fahrenheit).

The nationwide holiday is celebrated with flamboyant festivities. Thousands of people gather at the Red Square in Moscow regardless the record hot weather with the temperature of 31 degrees Celsius. The city turns into the biggest stage with the numerous performances and parades held along the streets.

Russia Day has been celebrated since 1992. It was introduced to mark the official declaration of state sovereignty of the Russian Federal Soviet Socialist Republic on June 12, 1990.

The head of the Moscow meteorological bureau, Alexei Lyahov said the previous temperature record for June 12 was set in 1998 with 30.8 degrees Celsius` heat.

He said the heat in the Russian capital was expected to fall.

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