Temperatures in the Russian capital soared to a record high for November on Wednesday, hitting 13 degrees Celsius (55.4 degrees Fahrenheit) by midday, the Moscow Weather Office said.

Overcast skies may prevent the temperature from rising even further above the previous November high of 12.6 degrees Celsius, the service said.

Moscow's average historical temperature in November is about -1 degree Celsius (30.2 degrees Fahrenheit).

Russia was hit by a record heatwave and wildfires ravaged the country until well into October, killing dozens of people and causing a health crisis in the capital.