Western, eastern Japan remain in grip of extreme heat

Japanese weather officials said temperatures would likely soar to 40 degrees Celsius in southwestern Japan, including Kumamoto Prefecture, which was hit by a powerful earthquake in late July.

People are being advised to take precautions against heatstroke. The Japan Meteorological Agency said a high pressure system is bringing sweltering heat to eastern and western Japan. Meanwhile, a low pressure system and a front are bringing unstable atmospheric conditions to Hokkaido and the Tohoku region. People in those areas will likely see localized downpours through Tuesday night.

They are being advised to watch out for landslides, floods in low-lying areas and swollen rivers. They are also being urged to stay on the alert for lightning strikes and gusty winds.