Dangerous heatwave continues in Japan
Temperatures reached life-threatening levels of over 40 degrees in some areas over the past two days.
The Japan Meteorological Agency says the mercury hit 41.2 degrees in Tamba City, Hyogo Prefecture, on Wednesday. That's the highest temperature ever recorded in the country.
On Friday, temperatures are expected to reach 39 degrees in Oita Prefecture's Hita City and 38 degrees in the cities of Nagoya, Gifu, Takamatsu, Yamaguchi and Saga, as well as in Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture, and Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture.
Highs of 37 degrees are forecast for the cities of Akita, Kyoto, Okayama and Kumamoto and elsewhere, and 36 degrees for Hirosaki City in Aomori Prefecture and cities including Shizuoka, Niigata and Osaka.
Heatstroke alerts have been issued for 32 prefectures from the Tohoku region in the north to Okinawa in the south.
Weather officials are urging people to keep cool by using air conditioners. They also advise staying hydrated, consuming salt and taking frequent breaks during outdoor activities.
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