'Everything is melting': Argentines seek cool as heat wave strikes

People enjoy the day in the Rio de la Plata river amid a heat wave, after the national meteorological service confirmed that it recorded the hottest summer in its history, in Buenos Aires, Argentina March 3, 2023. REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian/File Photo

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Argentines sought shade and tried to cool off in public fountains on Thursday as a heat wave hitting the country saw temperatures rise towards 40 degrees Celsius (104°F).

"Everything is melting, everything is melting," said Diego Gatti, a 34-year-old merchant in Buenos Aires, adding that at least near the coast there was some access to water and a breeze.