Scorching heat continued to grip Japan on Saturday with temperatures topping 40 degrees Celsius for four consecutive days. Weather officials say it's the first time since August 2013 for highs to surpass 40 degrees for four straight days in Japan.
The Japan Meteorological Agency says a high pressure system pushed up temperatures across wide areas.
The mercury reached 40.1 degrees in Isesaki City and 40 degrees in Maebashi City, both in Gunma Prefecture.
Akiota Town in Hiroshima Prefecture also recorded 40 degrees. That's the hottest on record for the prefecture.
Dangerously high temperatures were also observed in other areas, such as Kuwana City in Mie Prefecture, which recorded 39.9 degrees, and Koshu City in Yamanashi Prefecture, which recorded 39.8 degrees.
The agency says the temperature in the city of Kuwana in Mie Prefecture hit 40.4 degrees on Friday. This marks the third straight day of a high of 40 degrees observed in Japan, following the country's record-breaking 41.2 degrees Wednesday in Tamba City, Hyogo Prefecture.
A high pressure system is expected to push up temperatures across wide areas again on Sunday. A daytime high of 39 degrees is forecast for Yamaguchi City and highs of 38 degrees for the cities of Takamatsu, Okayama, Kyoto, Gifu, Nagoya and Kofu. The temperature in central Tokyo is forecast to go up to 36 degrees.
Heatstroke alerts have been issued for 36 of Japan's 47 prefectures from the Kanto-Koshin region to western parts of the country.
Using air conditioners, drinking liquids, consuming salt and resting frequently when working outside are advisable.
by Dapper-Material5930