Temperatures rose nationwide Thursday as a high atmospheric pressure system swept through Japan, with the mercury topping 35 C or higher in many locations in the Tokai and Kanto regions.
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a high temperature alert in 42 prefectures and warned of the risk of heatstroke.
According to the agency, the highest temperature recorded Thursday was 40.2 C in Tajimi, Gifu Prefecture, at around 2:13 p.m., followed by 39.8 C in Mino and 39.1 C in Ibigawa in the same prefecture. A temperature of 39.6 C was observed in Chikusa Ward, Nagoya.
Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, and Kofu registered highs of 38.7 C, while central Tokyo; Kiryu, Gunma Prefecture; and Koshigaya and Tokorozawa in Saitama Prefecture all recorded temperatures of 37.1 C.
Thursday was the second straight day a reading of 35 C or higher was observed in central Tokyo.
In its alert, the agency called on the public to take measures to prevent heatstroke. "Avoid direct exposure to sunlight and ensure proper intake of water and salt," it said.
The scorching heat is expected to continue through mid-August, primarily in western Japan.
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