Japan Hit By Record Rainfall, Heatwave
Weather officials say another round of extremely heavy rainfall is battering parts of northern Japan on Wednesday.
The Japan Meteorological Agency says a stalled front over Aomori and Akita prefectures has already dumped record amounts of rain in the area, exceeding the average for the entire month of August.
In the 24 hours until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, rainfall reached 325 millimeters in Fukaura Town and 202.5 millimeters in Ajigasawa Town in Aomori Prefecture. Happo Town in Akita had 202 millimeters. All are record highs.
Precipitation in the 24-hour period through Thursday noon could reach 120 millimeters in the northern Tohoku region, 100 millimeters in Hokkaido, 80 millimeters in southern Tohoku, and 50 millimeters in Niigata Prefecture.
Forecasters are urging caution against mudslides, floods in low-lying areas, and overflowing rivers.
Parts of eastern and western Japan are being hit by scorching heat.
As of 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, temperatures had reached 36 degrees Celsius in Kuki City and Hatoyama Town in Saitama Prefecture, and 35.4 degrees in Kyoto City.
In Tokyo, the mercury hit 35 degrees by around 11 a.m. It is the 15th day this year for temperatures in the capital to reach that level -- a record high.
More heat is expected in the afternoon, with highs possibly reaching 38 degrees in Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture, and 37 degrees in Hita City, Oita Prefecture, and in Yonago City, Tottori Prefecture, and in Kyoto City.
Forecasters say they will be 36 degrees in central Tokyo and in Fukuoka and Nara cities.