3 days ago
Scorching heat grips Japan over 3-day weekend
Intense heat has gripped much of Japan as the rainy season officially ended nationwide. Sweltering conditions are expected to continue through the three-day weekend.
Daytime highs on Saturday reached 37.5 degrees Celsius in the northeastern city of Yamagata. The mercury climbed above 35 degrees in other cities as well.
A ceremony to begin the swimming season was held on the Goshikigahama beach in the town of Noto, Ishikawa Prefecture on Saturday. It is the only one to open in the Oku-Noto region. Others have remained closed since a major earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula on New Year's Day last year.
Locals and visitors from other prefectures gathered to enjoy the sea around Noto. A 24-year-old local who came with her family said that while other beaches still await safety checks of the seabed, she is happy that one has opened.
Clear skies and scorching heat are expected across Japan on Sunday with daytime highs of 37 degrees forecast for Kumagaya City in Saitama Prefecture, Fukui City, and Toyooka City in Hyogo Prefecture.
Sweltering conditions could continue for about a week in wide areas from northern to western Japan, with the mercury expected to reach 35 degrees in many areas.
Recommendations for coping with the heat include using air conditioners as needed, drinking liquids, taking salt and resting frequently during outdoor activities.
