Weather officials forecast that an intense heat wave will continue to affect much of Japan over the weekend.
The Meteorological Agency says a high-pressure system covered from Tohoku to Okinawa on Friday, causing temperatures to rise.
The daytime high reached 39.9 degrees Celsius in the village of Totsukawa, Nara Prefecture; 39.3 in Dazaifu City in Fukuoka Prefecture; and 39.1 in Hirakata City in Osaka Prefecture.
Temperatures hit all-time highs at six observation points in western Japan. In some regions, overnight lows are expected to stay above 25.
Weather officials say the daytime high on Saturday is expected to be 39 in Hita City, Oita Prefecture; 38 in cities of Nagoya, Kyoto, Takamatsu and Kumamoto; and 37 in Osaka and Kofu cities.
The agency and the Environment Ministry are issuing a heatstroke alert for 36 of the country’s 47 prefectures.
Extremely hot weather is likely to continue mainly in eastern and western Japan on Sunday, with temperatures rising to 38 in Kinki and Kyushu.
People are advised to refrain from going outside and doing exercises unless necessary, and to use air conditioners, keep hydrated and take salt content to prevent heatstroke.
During outdoor leisure activities, it’s advisable to bring ice in water bottles or ice packs, and decide refreshment times in advance.
People are urged to pay attention to senior citizens and small children who are particularly susceptible to heatstroke.
Also on Friday, the agency said the rainy season ended in northern Tohoku, 11 days later than last year.
With the announcement, the season has ended in all regions in Japan except Hokkaido, which is not seen as having a rainy season.