Heatwave continues across Japan, heavy rain forecast for Tohoku, Hokuriku
The Meteorological Agency says there were clear skies and high temperatures mainly on the Pacific coast from eastern to western Japan on Wednesday.
Shizuoka City hit 41.4 degrees at around 2:30 p.m., approaching the country's record high of 41.8 degrees set in Isesaki City in Gunma Prefecture, near Tokyo, on Tuesday.
Temperatures of 40 degrees or above have been observed on seven days so far this summer, reaching the same record number as in 2018.
Wednesday's daytime highs were 39.7 degrees in Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture, 39.5 degrees in Mima City, Tokushima Prefecture, and 39.3 degrees in Tokyo's Hachioji City.
Central Tokyo had the hottest day this summer with a high of 37.0 degrees.
People are advised to use air conditioners as needed and stay in cool environments as much as possible, take fluids and salt, and rest regularly when working outdoors.
Meanwhile, a weather front is making atmospheric conditions extremely unstable, and bringing intermittent downpours mainly in areas along the Sea of Japan.
There are fears of heavy rain through Thursday in the Tohoku and Hokuriku regions and Niigata Prefecture.
Rainfall over the 24-hour period through Thursday evening is expected to total 200 millimeters in the Tohoku and Hokuriku regions and Niigata Prefecture, and 150 millimeters in northern Kyushu.
Bands of rainclouds may develop over Niigata, Toyama and Ishikawa prefectures from late Wednesday through Thursday morning.
People should remain on alert for mudslides, flooding in low-lying areas, swollen rivers and overflowing. Caution is advised for lightning strikes, sudden gusts of wind and hail.
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