Japanese authorities are urging people to take measures to prevent heatstroke as scorching heat is expected again across wide areas of Japan on Friday.
The meteorological agency says high temperatures have continued for several days in the Kanto-Koshin region. On Thursday, Kiryu City in Gunma Prefecture recorded a dangerous level of 38.3 degrees Celsius.
The agency is forecasting severe heat again in some areas on Friday due to a high-pressure system. Daytime highs are expected to rise to 37 degrees in Maebashi and Kumagaya, and to 36 degrees in Mito. The mercury may rise to 35 degrees in central Tokyo, Yokohama, Utsunomiya and Kofu, and to 31 degrees in Niigata.
The meteorological agency and the environment ministry have issued heatstroke alerts for Ibaraki Prefecture, the Izu Islands and Chiba Prefecture.
Many people have been taken to hospital in recent days with apparent symptoms of heatstroke.
People are urged not to exercise and to avoid going outside as much as possible. They are advised to use adequate air conditioning indoors and to regularly consume enough fluids and salt.
People are also asked to keep a close eye on the elderly and infants, as they are particularly vulnerable to heatstroke.
Meanwhile, the weather officials say parts of Niigata Prefecture may receive heavy rain on Friday due to the influence of a low-pressure system and a rain front. They also say atmospheric conditions may become unstable in the Kanto-Koshin region, particularly in the afternoon, possibly causing localized torrential downpours with lightning.
They are calling on the public to be on the alert for flooding, swollen rivers, landslides, as well as lightning, strong wind gusts and hail.