10 June

Sweltering weather is hitting eastern and northern Japan on Wednesday. People are cautioned about the possibility of heatstroke.

The Meteorological Agency said a high pressure system covering vast areas from eastern through northern Japan, combined with an influx of warm air, is bringing clear skies and high temperatures.

By 1:30 p.m., temperatures had risen as high as 35.3 degrees Celsius in the city of Fukushima and the town of Ishikawa in Fukushima Prefecture, 35.1 degrees in the city of Ueda, Nagano Prefecture, 34.7 degrees in both the city of Nagano and Iwate's city of Miyako. Central Tokyo saw a high of 31.3 degrees.

Many people in Japan are wearing face masks due to the coronavirus pandemic. But wearing them amid high temperatures is feared to invite another health risk -- heatstroke.

In Tokyo alone, 30 people were rushed to hospital for possible heatstroke on Tuesday.

Environment Ministry officials say when wearing masks, people should take liquids more often and avoid heavy exercise. They also say masks can be removed if social distancing is maintained.

nhk