Temperatures have soared to dangerous levels across Japan. Authorities have issued heatstroke alerts for many areas.
The Japan Meteorological Agency says temperatures surpassed 38 degrees Celsius in some parts of the country on Monday. The Tokyo Fire Department says dozens of people were taken to hospital with suspected heatstroke.
The heat wave is expected to continue all week. Temperatures could top 40 degrees on Wednesday and Thursday in the Tokai region and other areas.
People are advised to use air conditioners, stay hydrated, and consume adequate amounts of salt.
They are also advised to avoid being outdoors for long periods, and to pay attention to infants and the elderly.
The Meteorological Agency says the rainy season appears to have ended in the Kanto-Koshin and Tokai regions.
AloJapan.com