Image copyright Reuters Image caption Children play in a water feature in Domino Park, New York

The US is currently experiencing a serious heatwave, with dangerously high temperatures of almost 38C (100F).

Cities on the country's East Coast are particularly hard-hit, with New York, Philadelphia and Washington all experiencing unbearable heat.

Unusually, they are even hotter than Phoenix, Arizona and Miami in Florida.

People in affected areas have been urged to stay hydrated, stay indoors as much as possible, and to try and take care of vulnerable people, including those who are ill, very young, or elderly.

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With residents trying to cool down in whatever way they can, public pools and fountains have been extremely busy.

The Astoria Pool in Queens, New York City, was heaving with people on Saturday.

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This young boy also made use of the sprinklers in the nearby Astoria Park.

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New York Mayor Bill de Blasio declared a heat emergency in the city, and the New York City Triathlon, which was scheduled for Sunday, has been cancelled for the first time in its 18-year history.

About 4,000 people were supposed to take part, with many travelling long distances for the race. Organisers said participants would receive full refunds of entry fees up to $399 (£319).

A two-day music, comedy and food festival, OZY Fest, was also meant to be held in Central Park this weekend, but was cancelled.

Over 500 cooling centres have been opened for New York City residents.

Mr de Blasio said on Twitter that the city was almost at the end of the heat emergency however warned that the heat index on Sunday could still be as high as 43C (110F).

In Boston, Massachusetts, adults and children flocked to their nearest fountains in a bid to cool off.

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In Washington, this woman chose to hide from the sun under a parasol.

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A tourist tried to use his White House guide book to escape the sun's rays.

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Humans aren't the only ones who appreciate the cool water. These two birds were pictured splashing about in the Rose Kennedy Greenway in Boston.

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And in Philadelphia, a dog was spotted cooling off under a spraying fire hydrant.

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