Parts of Japan's southwestern region of Kyushu saw a hot summer day on Saturday, with the mercury hitting a record-tying 39.3°C in Dazaifu, a tourist spot in Fukuoka prefecture.
Of the country's 914 observation points, 43 recorded temperatures of 35°C or higher, meeting the Japan weather agency's definition of an "extremely hot day."
More than half of the observation points, or 491, recorded 30°C or higher.
People in Fukuoka and nearby Kumamoto Prefecture were advised to exercise caution against heatstroke.
The Japan Meteorological Agency expects scorching temperatures to hit western and eastern Japan toward next Saturday.
The temperature rose to 38.3°C in Hita, Oita prefecture, and 38.1°C was recorded in Kurume, Fukuoka.
