An intense heatwave is expected to persist over wide areas of Japan on Wednesday with the mercury likely to hit 35 degrees Celsius or higher. People are advised to take precautions against heatstroke.

The Japan Meteorological Agency says temperatures soared in many parts of the country on Tuesday, with daytime highs reaching 38.2 degrees in Kofu City, 37.7 degrees in Takasaki and 37.6 degrees in Shizuoka.

The agency forecasts that much of Japan is set to experience hot weather again on Wednesday. Daytime highs are expected to climb to 37 degrees in the cities of Nagoya and Gifu and 36 degrees in Kyoto, Kofu and Kumagaya.

Heatstroke alerts have been issued for the prefectures of Yamanashi, Aichi, Mie, Wakayama and Fukuoka.

On Tuesday, a number of people were taken to hospitals with suspected heatstroke. Some deaths were also reported.

People are advised to use air conditioners as needed, take liquids and salt and rest frequently during outdoor activities.

Extremely unstable atmospheric conditions are forecast mainly in eastern Japan after Wednesday afternoon, possibly causing localized downpours.

The agency is calling for caution against flooding in low-lying areas, swollen rivers, mudslides, lightning strikes, hail and strong gusts such as tornadoes.

nhk