Extreme heat in Japan set to peak this week

A heat wave gripping Japan is expected to continue this week and could hit its peak over the next several days, Report informs via The Japan Times.

Human-induced climate change has sent the mercury rising, particularly in the Hokuriku region facing the Sea of Japan, where temperatures exceeding 38 degrees Celsius were recorded in many areas on Monday.

On the same day, the Meteorological Agency issued an alert for heatstroke in 36 prefectures.

The air temperature in the country will warm up to 38-40 degrees Celsius in the next few days.

According to the latest data from the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, a total of 17,229 people were taken to hospital with heatstroke symptoms in June, the highest number in 15 years. As a result, 26 people died, and 324 people are suffering from severe heatstroke symptoms.