Sweltering heat gripped many parts of Japan on Saturday as extremely hot weather continued.
The Meteorological Agency says a high pressure system prevailed over wide areas, sending temperatures above 38 degrees Celsius.
The mercury reached 38.5 degrees in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, and 38.4 degrees in the cities of Nagoya and Kuwana.
A daytime high of 34.9 degrees was recorded in central Tokyo and 34.8 degrees in Akita City.
The scorching weather is expected to continue on Sunday with daytime highs reaching 39 degrees in the cities of Kumagaya, Chichibu and Kofu, and 38 degrees in Nagoya, Saga and Kumamoto cities.
Central Tokyo and Kyoto City will likely have a high of 36 degrees.
The meteorological agency and the environment ministry have issued heatstroke alerts for 22 of the country’s 47 prefectures.
Many people have been hospitalized this summer with suspected symptoms of heatstroke, with some fatalities.
Authorities are advising people to stay indoors, refrain from exercise, use air conditioners and consume water and salt.
They also urge people to pay close attention to senior citizens, babies and younger children, as they are especially vulnerable to extreme heat.