BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Argentines sought shade and tried to cool off in public fountains on Thursday as a heat wave hitting the country saw temperatures rise towards 40 degrees Celsius (104°F). "Everything is melting, everything is melting," said Diego Gatti, a 34-year-old merchant in Buenos Aires, adding that at least near the coast there was some access to water and a breeze. The South American country is home to some 45 million people and an important grains producer of soy, corn and wheat. "The heat spreads from the roof through the house, you just can't stay there. (Reporting by Miguel Lo Bianco and Horacio Soria; Writing by Adam Jourdan; Editing by Sandra Maler)

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Persons: Diego Gatti, Sergio Pavon, Miguel Lo Bianco, Horacio Soria, Adam Jourdan, Sandra Maler Organizations: BUENOS AIRES, Reuters Locations: BUENOS, Buenos Aires