Scorching heat will likely continue to grip wide areas of Japan. Officials are again calling on people to stay on alert against heatstroke.
The Meteorological Agency says a high pressure system will cover wide areas mainly in western Japan on Thursday, pushing up temperatures.
The mercury in the city of Hita will likely hit 39 degrees Celsius. Daytime highs of 38 degrees are forecast in the cities of Saga, Kurume and Nagoya.
The agency and the Environment Ministry have issued heatstroke alerts for 32 of the country’s 47 prefectures.
Authorities are advising people to refrain from outings and exercising outdoors. They recommend using air conditioners, as well as consuming 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.
People planning outdoor leisure activities during the Bon holidays are advised to carry ice in water bottles and ice packs.