8 July 2012 Last updated at 12:09

In pictures: US heatwave

Man dives into pool on New York's Lower East Side - 7 July

People across a swathe of the central and eastern US have been seeking respite from soaring temperatures.

Lee Shinn wears umbrella hat that he sells in Memphis, Tennessee - 6 July

Dozens of people have died, mostly in Chicago and the states of Maryland and Virginia. Here a Memphis man sells umbrella hats to help people keep cool.

Members of St Louis Cardinals baseball team try to cool off during their home win against the Miami Marlins - 7 July

In St Louis the mercury topped 107F (44C) leaving these baseball players struggling to cool off during their game.

Tracy Canty of Washington DC cleans grill - 7 July

Meanwhile in Washington DC, temperatures fell just short of an all-time record for the city, at 105F.

Perspiration on the face of Philadelphia construction worker David Macmullen - 6 July

Some areas are still affected by power outages caused by recent storms, leaving many people unable to alleviate their suffering in air-conditioned buildings.

Philadelphia firefighter recovers after extinguishing fire in car parts shop

Firefighters have had to take extra measures to avoid heat stroke.

Dry part of Morse Reservoir, Noblesville, Indiana - 6 July

The extreme heat has led to a decline in water levels in many reservoirs.

It is not just humans who have taken to the water to keep cool. Here Hudson the polar bear dives at Brookfield zoo, Illinois.

People enjoy the summer evening at Washington Square, New York City - 7 July

Temperatures have not dropped hugely during the night, leaving New York City revellers to bask in the sultry evening heat.

Ryan Reddy holds his daughter Eliette over water spray in Saratoga Springs, New York state - 6 July

The heat has meant joy for some - this child is enjoying a shower in Saratoga Springs, New York state.

US & Canada

In pictures: US heatwave

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