Power Supply Concerns Continue Amid Greater Tokyo Heat Wave
Another day of intense heat has officials warning millions of people about a possible power shortage in greater Tokyo.
For the third straight day, they are urging residents to conserve electricity, especially in the late afternoon and evening on Wednesday. But people are being told to use air conditioners if it gets too hot.
A female pedestrian in the Ginza district in downtown Tokyo said the heat is killing her.
A man in Maebashi, north of Tokyo, said, "I'm afraid I'll get heatstroke, so I'm going to drink water and take care of my health."
Temperatures rose above 35 degrees Celsius in many areas near Tokyo on Wednesday.
By 11 a.m., the mercury had topped 36 in a number of prefectures.
The Japanese government expects heavier demand for electricity as people rely on their air conditioners.
The region's power reserve ratio could dip below 2.6 percent in the evening.
Officials may issue an advisory when the number falls below three percent. The government says it could raise that to a warning if temperatures surge, or if there are problems with power plants.