Temperature Tops 40 Degrees In Gunma Prefecture
Temperatures soared across Japan on Saturday, with Isesaki City in Gunma Prefecture, north of Tokyo, logging 40.2 degrees Celsius.
The Meteorological Agency says it is the first time since recordkeeping began that the mercury topped 40 degrees in June in Japan.
It says the previous record for June was 39.8 degrees marked in 2011 in Kumagaya City in Saitama Prefecture, Gunma's neighbor.
Temperatures topped 35 degrees in 64 observation points across the country on Saturday, including central Tokyo, where the mercury climbed to 35.4 degrees.
Temperatures are expected to rise in the Kanto region and elsewhere again on Sunday. A daytime high of 37 degrees is forecast for Kumagaya City and Maebashi City in Gunma Prefecture, and 34 degrees in central Tokyo.
Officials are urging caution against heatstroke.