Heatstroke alert for Japanese capital

Heatstroke alerts have been issued for Tokyo and surrounding prefectures for the first time this summer as scorching temperatures grip the Kanto and Koshin regions. The mercury soared as sunny weather prevailed in the regions on Monday. Temperatures topped 35 degrees in central Tokyo.

Humidity is also high, prompting weather officials and local authorities to warn people of heatstroke risks. The officials say rainfall in the 24 hours through Tuesday noon could reach 100 millimeters in northern Kanto and 50 in southern Kanto. They are warning of possible landslides, flooding in low-lying areas, swollen rivers, lightning, gusty winds, tornadoes and hailstorms.