Heat to continue in Japan

NHK -- Aug 05

Japan was hit by intense heat again on Wednesday. Authorities are calling for caution against heatstroke as high temperatures are expected to continue.

The daytime high in Yamanashi Prefecture's Koshu City was 39.7 degrees Celsius -- the highest in Japan this year.

Temperatures of 35 degrees or higher were logged at 185 of the 920 observation points across Japan. The figure is also this year's highest.

Weather officials say the scorching heat will continue across wide areas on Thursday.

A daytime high of 39 degrees is forecast for Hita City in Oita Prefecture. A high of 38 degrees is predicted for Kumamoto City in Kumamoto Prefecture, Kurume City in Fukuoka Prefecture and Kofu City in Yamanashi Prefecture. The temperature in central Tokyo is expected to rise to 35 degrees.

Authorities are urging caution against heatstroke. They advise people to use air conditioners day and at night. They also recommend that people drink fluids regularly before they get thirsty.