NEW YORK, July 3 — New Yorkers are opening fire hydrants to cool off as they try to escape the extreme heat, reported Sputnik/RIA Novosti.

Temperatures topped 37.8 degrees Celsius on Thursday. Authorities predict the heat wave, with a heat index of up to 43.9 degrees Celsius, could continue through Saturday.

The New York authorities have opened fire hydrants on a number of city streets.

Townspeople are taking any opportunity to cool off, while motorists are driving as slowly as possible to let the water douse their cars.

On Monday, ABC reported that a heat wave was coming to the central and eastern parts of the United States (US), with more than 100 million Americans on alert.

In a related development, the heat wave has caused asphalt to soften and melt on some streets in New York City.

In some areas, the softened road surface became so pliable that it could be damaged simply by pressing it with a hand. — Bernama-Sputnik/RIA Novosti