Heatwave Continues Across Japan
Scorching heat prevailed again on Tuesday in many parts of Japan, with temperatures soaring above 38 degrees Celsius in the Kanto Koshin and Tokai regions. Weather officials say extreme heat is expected to continue on Wednesday and are calling on people to take extra care to prevent heatstroke.
The Japan Meteorological Agency says sunny weather prevailed in western and eastern Japan and other regions, pushing up temperatures.
Daytime highs reached 39.5 degrees Celsius in Koshigaya City in Saitama Prefecture and Kofu City in Yamanashi Prefecture, 38.9 degrees in Kumagaya City and Hatoyama Town in Saitama Prefecture and Ome City in Tokyo.
The mercury soared to 37.7 degrees in Kyoto City, 37.5 degrees in Nagoya City, 36.9 degrees in Fukuoka City and 35.9 degrees in central Tokyo.
Daytime temperatures rose above 35 degrees at 224 observation points across the country.
Temperatures are expected to remain over 25 degrees overnight through Wednesday morning in parts of western and eastern Japan.
Scorching weather is expected for Wednesday mainly in western and eastern Japan.
Wednesday's high is expected to reach 39 degrees in Kumagaya City in Saitama Prefecture and Kofu City.
It is forecast to reach 38 degrees in Nagoya City and Maebashi City, 37 degrees in Shizuoka City and Takamatsu City, 36 degrees in central Tokyo, Kyoto City and Fukuoka City.
Heatstroke alerts have been issued for prefectures from eastern to southern Japan.
Authorities are urging people to refrain from going outside and exercising during the daytime, if possible. They are also calling on people to use air conditioners appropriately and stay hydrated.
Meanwhile, the front near the Tohoku region is expected to slowly move south from Wednesday and a low-pressure system is forecast to pass over through Wednesday night.
Atmospheric conditions may become highly unstable in the Tohoku region and Niigata Prefecture through Thursday, bringing heavy rain with thunder.
The agency forecasts up to 150 millimeters of rain for the Tohoku region and 120 millimeters for Niigata Prefecture during the 24-hour period through Wednesday evening.
Up to 150 millimeters of rain is expected in Niigata Prefecture and up to 100 millimeters in the Tohoku and Hokuriku regions during the 24-hour period through Thursday evening.
Weather officials are urging residents to be on alert for mudslides, floods in low-lying areas and swollen rivers, as well as lightning strikes and gusts, including tornadoes, and hail.