Extreme heat grips Japan, with mercury topping 40 degrees Celsius

Scorching weather hit wide areas of Japan on Saturday as temperatures topped 40 degrees Celsius in some places. The Japan Meteorological Agency said a high-pressure system covered most of the Japanese archipelago. The mercury rose to at least 35 degrees across much of western and eastern Japan.

The officials also forecast extreme heat across wide areas of Japan on Sunday and heatstroke alerts have been issued for 28 prefectures. Scorching weather is expected to continue gripping these areas for about a week. People are urged to use air conditioners appropriately, consume adequate amounts of fluids and salt and take frequent breaks when outdoors.