People in many parts of Japan are sweltering as temperatures have soared to nearly 40 degrees Celsius. The heatwave is likely to continue this week with the risk of heatstroke remaining high in areas including those hit by recent heavy rain.

Japan's Meteorological Agency says powerful high-pressure systems over Japan are bringing scorching weather to a wide part of the country.

The daytime high in Ibigawa Town in Gifu Prefecture, central Japan, on Monday hit this year's national high of 39.3 degrees Celsius.

In central Tokyo, the mercury rose to 34.4 degrees.

Temperatures above 35 degrees were recorded in and around areas where recent downpours caused disasters.

The risk of heatstroke is particularly high in disaster zones in western Japan, where evacuees are living in unfamiliar environments.

Authorities are advising survivors, volunteers and recovery workers to take precautionary measures including resting in shade from time to time.