Japan is scorching hot, temperatures up to 41.1 degrees Celsius are life-threatening

National broadcaster NHK warned that temperatures in Japan were reaching life-threatening levels, soaring to nearly 40 degrees Celsius in some places, including the capital Tokyo.

Nhật Bản đang trải qua đợt nắng nóng kỷ lục

Japan is experiencing a record heat wave. (Source: Reuters)

The Japanese government issued a heatstroke warning on July 16 as near-record high temperatures scorched parts of the country while heavy rain lashed other areas.

The Japanese government has issued heatstroke warnings for 20 of the country's 47 prefectures, mainly in the east and southwest, as a heatwave affects tens of millions of people.

NHK advises people to stay hydrated and use air conditioning appropriately, while limiting outdoor activities. Heatstroke can be fatal, causing damage to the brain, kidneys and other organs, or causing heart attacks or breathing difficulties.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, Kiryu city in Gunma prefecture, north of the capital Tokyo, had temperatures of up to 39.7 degrees Celsius while the satellite city of Hachioji in western Tokyo reached 38.9 degrees Celsius.

Japan's highest ever recorded temperature is 41.1 degrees Celsius, first recorded in Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture, in 2018 and then in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, in 2020.

Some places saw their highest temperatures in more than four decades on July 16, including Hirono town in Fukushima prefecture at 37.3 degrees Celsius and the hot spring resort city of Nasushiobara at 35.4 degrees Celsius, according to weather agency data.

Meanwhile, torrential rains continued to pound northern Japan, causing flooding and at least one landslide that killed one person. Since late last week, a torrential downpour has dumped record amounts of rain in some parts of the country, causing rivers to overflow and soil to remain waterlogged for days, triggering landslides.

Japan is experiencing its annual rainy season, which often brings heavy rains and sometimes leads to flooding, landslides and loss of life. Scientists say climate change is increasing the risk of heavy rains in the country and elsewhere as warmer air holds more water.

Source