A new temperature record has been set in Japan’s Hyogo Prefecture, with the air warming up to 41.2 degrees Celsius, Japan’s national meteorological agency said on Wednesday.
The new record surpassed the previous high of 41.1 degrees, recorded in Hamamatsu in 2020. Forecasters warn that the heat could intensify on July 31. Residents are advised to drink more water, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, and wear hats.
July and August are traditionally considered the hottest months in Japan. Currently, daytime temperatures are reaching 35-37 degrees in several areas of the country, including Tokyo. Every year, tens of thousands of people are hospitalized with heatstroke in Japan, and there are also fatalities.
Earlier, at least 15 people died from the abnormal heat in Japan in the first two weeks of July, and more than 12,000 were hospitalised. Authorities advise people to stay indoors and use air conditioning. Schools have been advised not to hold classes outdoors.
