Sweltering heat grips eastern, western Japan

Sweltering heat grips eastern, western Japan

Temperatures are soaring across wide regions of eastern and western Japan on Monday, topping 35 degrees Celsius in some areas even in the morning.

People are advised to take thorough precautions against heatstroke as the mercury is expected to rise further in the afternoon.

The Japan Meteorological Agency is forecasting sweltering conditions for many places as a high-pressure system blankets much of the country.

Areas hit by last month's powerful earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture are also experiencing intense heat. As of 11 a.m. on Monday, temperatures had reached 35.4 degrees in Kosa Town, 35.3 degrees in Kumamoto City, 33.7 degrees in Yatsushiro City and 32.6 degrees in Uki City.

Weather officials say temperatures will rise to dangerous levels across wide areas in the afternoon, hitting 39 degrees in Hita City, Oita Prefecture.

They are forecasting daytime highs of 38 degrees in the cities of Kyoto, Tottori, Yamaguchi, Kumamoto and Saga.

The mercury is expected to go up to 37 degrees in the cities of Nagoya, Osaka, Fukui, Hiroshima and Takamatsu, and 36 degrees in Kofu City and Fukuoka City.

The officials say the daytime high will likely reach 34 degrees in central Tokyo.

A heatstroke alert is in place for 31 prefectures from the Kanto region to Okinawa Prefecture.

People are advised to use air conditioners, frequently drink water and replenish salt and refrain from outdoor activities.

The weather officials also say atmospheric conditions will become unstable across wide areas from northern to western Japan due to humid air and high temperatures. Localized heavy rain accompanied by thunder could occur in some areas.

A front will pass over the Tohoku region, possibly bringing heavy rain mainly on the Sea of Japan side from Monday night to Tuesday.

The officials are calling for vigilance against landslides, flooding in low-lying areas and swollen rivers, as well as lightning and gusty winds, including tornadoes.