Scorching Heat Continues To Grip Japan
Scorching heat continued in Japan on Wednesday with temperatures in some areas topping 38 degrees Celsius.
Japan's Meteorological Agency says a very strong typhoon brought warm southerly winds and drove up temperatures mainly in areas along the Sea of Japan coast.
Daytime highs hit 38.2 degrees in the city of Yonago, Tottori Prefecture, and 38 degrees in the city of Mitoyo in Kagawa Prefecture.
Thirty-eight people were taken to hospital in Tokyo on Wednesday with suspected heatstroke. About 60 percent of them are in their 70s or older.
Another hot day with the mercury at 35 degrees or higher is expected for much of the country on Thursday. The cities of Tottori and Matsue in western Japan are forecast to have a high of 37 degrees.
People, especially the elderly, are advised to stay hydrated and use air conditioners appropriately to avoid the risk of heatstroke.
Meanwhile, rain clouds are developing in the Kansai and Kyushu regions in western Japan, bringing heavy rain in some areas, as typhoon Bavi is heading north over the sea west of Jeju Island in South Korea.
Thundershowers are expected for western and eastern Japan along the Pacific coast and Okinawa on Thursday. Those areas may have local downpours of more than 50 millimeters per hour.
Expected rainfall during the 24 hours through Thursday evening is 150 millimeters in Kyushu, 120 millimeters in Shikoku and Okinawa, 100 millimeters in Tokai and 80 millimeters in the Kanto-Koshinetsu region.
Weather officials are warning of landslides, swollen rivers and flooding in low-lying areas, as well as lightning strikes and gusty winds.
