While much of the Northern Hemisphere is battling cold and snow... THIS might be the only ice you'll see in Rio de Janeriro this time of year.

With a record setting temperature of 43 degrees celcius, even cariocas accustomed to the sultriness were feeling the heat earlier this week.

On Copacabana beach, sunbathers slathered on sun screen and cooled off in the ocean.

Elsewhere people took shelter wherever they could.

Officials say this week's temperatures were the hottest since 1915.