In pictures | Cooling off amid the heat

WEATHER

It has been sweltering days in some parts of the world. Take a look at how people and animals in those areas are cooling down their body temperatures amid the coronavirus pandemic.

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In the south of Iran's capital Tehran, these Iranian youths cool down in the Cheshmeh-Ali natural spring pool in Shahr-e-Rey neighbourhood.

In the north west of France's capital Paris, people enjoy a warm and sunny day at the leisure centre in Cergy-Pontoise. Western Europe has been sweltering through a heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 35⁰ C (95⁰ F).

Also in France, people rock-jump into the Mediterranean sea in the French riviera city of Nice, as a heat wave engulfs the nation.

Still in Nice, a child plays under the water of a fountain, as a heat wave blankets much of Europe.

In England's capital London, this woman enjoys the sunshine as she sunbathes at Hampstead Heath ponds as the temperature soars in London.

Meanwhile, elephants play during their daily bath in a river at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawala, about 90 km from the capital Colombo. World Elephant Day is celebrated every year on August 12 to spread awareness about the preservation and protection of elephants.

In India, this wood duck or Carolina duck, a species of perching duck found in North America, is seen in a pond at the Ghosh Para area of Howrah District near Kolkata.

And finally, buffalos cool off in a lake in Georgia's Kakheti region.