Scorching summer temperatures rose nationwide in Japan on Thursday, hitting 35 C or higher at more than 64 observation points -- including the one in central Tokyo -- before noon to officially make it dangerously high heat.
The Meteorological Agency and other organizations issued heatstroke alerts in Tokyo and six prefectures in the Kanto region.
According to the agency, the highest temperatures recorded by noon included 37.2 C in Kawanehoncho, Shizuoka Prefecture, 36.9 C in Kiryu, Gunma Prefecture, and 36.1 C in central Tokyo.
It was the fourth consecutive day of extreme heat in capital's city center.
Mask-wearing shoppers were seen wiping away sweat while walking in the shaded areas of Ginza, Tokyo.
Said Yoshiaki Nakamura, 71, the owner of the long-established Japanese confectionery shop Kobikicho Yoshiya in Ginza: "Many customers buy souvenirs for their return trip home during the obon period every year, but there aren't many people coming [to Ginza] because of the coronavirus outbreak and the summer heat, and that has been tough on sales."
The Environment Ministry and other organizations have offered advice to prevent heatstroke amid the pandemic, including the following:
・Ventilate rooms and use the air conditioner
・Remove masks if you can stay more than 2 meters from others when outdoors
・Drink water before you start to feel thirsty
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
