Environment Japan issues heatstroke alerts for record 19 prefectures

Authorities are urging people in areas covered by the alerts to pay closer attention than usual to indoor temperature and humidity, use air conditioners and other cooling equipment appropriately, and spend time in cooler environments. People are also advised to take frequent breaks and replenish fluids and salt. Officials said the heat could cause harm to human health and urged people to protect themselves from the extreme conditions. They also called on people to consider canceling or postponing exercise, work and other activities outdoors or in indoor spaces without air conditioning wherever possible, warning that strenuous exercise should be avoided. Authorities further urged people to check on those especially vulnerable to heat, including elderly people, people with disabilities and small children.

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The AMeDAS observation station at Kitanomaru Park in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward recorded 35 degrees at 11:09 a.m., marking the capital's first extremely hot day of the year, a designation used when the daily maximum temperature reaches 35 degrees or higher. Other parts of the Kanto region also experienced intense heat. By 11 a.m., the temperature had reached 35.8 degrees in Hatoyama, Saitama Prefecture, and 35.4 degrees in Kiryu, Gunma Prefecture.

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The mercury hit 39.4 C in Koshu, Yamanashi Prefecture, west of Tokyo, while 36.1 C was logged in central Tokyo, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. The rainy season ended about 22 days later than last year in the Kanto-Koshin region, including Tokyo, and about 23 days later in the Tokai region centred on Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture.

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Kuwana in Mie Prefecture recorded 40.6°C on Thursday, the highest temperature in Japan so far this year, as a strong high-pressure system combined with hot downslope winds to bring dangerous heat to wide areas of the country. Temperatures reached 40°C or higher at four observation points; a total of 298 locations recorded highs of at least 35°C. Kuwana logged the day's peak of 40.6°C at 10:24 a.m. Other places where temperatures topped 40°C included Mino and Tajimi in neighbouring Gifu Prefecture. Television footage from Kuwana showed thermometers installed beside buildings climbing above 40°C under intense sunshine. In Gifu City, another thermometer exposed to direct sunlight appeared to be nearing 45°C.

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