Areas from eastern to western Japan are experiencing levels of heat that are dangerous and unusual for this time of the year. A record high for September was registered in central Japan on Friday.
The Meteorological Agency said high pressure systems are over those areas. It also said that the mercury had shot up to 38.5 degrees Celsius by 11:30 a.m. in Shizuoka City. That is the highest temperature recorded in September, since statistics started being compiled in 1940.
Temperatures also rose on the Sea of Japan coast. The mercury hit 37.6 degrees in Tottori City, 36.8 degrees in Toyooka City and 36.1 degrees in Obama City.
The forecasters say that temperatures will continue to rise later on Friday. The Meteorological Agency predicts that daytime highs will reach 38 degrees in Kofu City; 37 degrees in the cities of Hita, Kyoto, Nagoya and Maebashi; and 36 degrees in the cities of Fukui and Yokohama. The mercury is also expected to reach 35 degrees in Central Tokyo and Osaka City.
The Meteorological Agency and the Environment Ministry have issued heat stroke alerts for 23 prefectures. Among the prefectures are those located in the area that extends from the Kanto region, which includes Tokyo, through the Kyushu region in southwestern Japan.
People in those areas are being advised to use air conditioners, drink enough liquids and take in an adequate amount of salt.