The anticipation of cooling off in the ocean kept my feet moving in the crippling heat, but the first sight of water temporarily stopped me in my tracks.

BBC: Colombia��s virtually vacant paradise

Heat advisories are in effect for parts of 17 states, with forecasters saying there is no relief in sight: "Hot and hotter will continue to be the story from the plains to the Atlantic Coast for the next few days, " the National Weather Service said.

BBC: US storm-hit millions swelter in heatwave