TOKYO – Japan issued heatstroke alerts Sunday to tens of tens of millions of individuals as near-record excessive temperatures scorched swathes of the nation, whereas torrential rain pummelled different areas.
Nationwide broadcaster NHK warned viewers that the warmth was at life-threatening ranges, as temperatures soared to just about 40 levels Celsius (104 levels Fahrenheit) in some locations, together with the capital Tokyo.
“Please keep hydrated and use air conditioners appropriately, and chorus from outings that appear tough,” a information presenter stated.
The federal government issued heatstroke alerts for 20 of the nation’s 47 prefectures, primarily within the east and southwest, affecting tens of tens of millions of individuals.
Warmth can kill by inducing heatstroke, which damages the mind, kidneys and different organs, however it will probably additionally set off different situations akin to a coronary heart assault or respiratory issues.
Kiryu metropolis in Gunma prefecture, north of Tokyo, noticed the mercury attain 39.7C whereas Hachioji in western Tokyo reached 38.9C, in accordance with the Japan Meteorological Company.
Japan’s highest temperature ever recorded was 41.1C, which was first recorded in Kumagaya metropolis, in Saitama, in 2018 after which matched in Hamamatsu metropolis, Shizuoka, in 2020.
Some locations skilled their highest temperatures in additional than 4 a long time on Sunday, together with Hirono city in Fukushima prefecture with 37.3C, and sizzling spring resort metropolis Nasushiobara with 35.4C, in accordance with the climate company’s information.
In the meantime, torrential rain continued to lash northern Japan, the place flooding and at the least one landslide have been recorded.
A person was discovered lifeless in a automotive submerged in a rice area in Akita prefecture, police advised AFP, every week after seven folks have been killed in comparable climate within the nation’s southwest.
Since final weekend, a heavy band of precipitation has dumped record-breaking quantities of rain in some components of Japan, inflicting rivers to overflow and sodden earth to break down in landslides.
Japan is experiencing its annual wet season, which frequently brings heavy downpours, and generally leads to flooding and landslides, in addition to casualties.
However scientists say local weather change is intensifying the chance of heavy rains in Japan and elsewhere as a result of a hotter environment holds extra water. ‐—AFP
