A summer-like spell of hot weather has gripped Japan, with temperatures soaring above 30 degrees Celsius across the country.
The Meteorological Agency says clear skies prevailed nationwide on Saturday due to a high pressure system over the Japanese archipelago. It adds that warm southerly winds blew into areas along the Sea of Japan coast and elsewhere.
Daytime highs hit 32.1 degrees in Kawamoto Town in the western prefecture of Shimane, and 31.8 degrees in both Toyooka City in the western prefecture of Hyogo and Marumori Town in the northeastern prefecture of Miyagi.
Temperatures topped 30 degrees at 27 observation points from northeastern to southwestern Japan.
Record-high temperatures for the month of April were recorded at 19 points.
More hot weather is forecast for Sunday. The daytime high in central Tokyo will likely hit 28 degrees, the highest this year.
The Meteorological Agency is advising people to drink plenty of fluids to prevent heatstroke.
