TOKYO, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Extreme heat continued to grip much of Japan on Thursday, with life-threatening temperatures of over 40 degrees Celsius recorded in some places for a second day, according to the country's weather agency.
The dangerous heatwave was mainly affecting western Japan, where the mercury hit 40.4 degrees in Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture, on Thursday afternoon, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said.
By 3:30 p.m. local time, the highest temperatures reached 39.5 degrees Celsius in Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto Prefecture, 39.3 degrees Celsius in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, and 38.9 degrees Celsius in Nishiwaki City, Hyogo Prefecture and Akiota Town in Hiroshima Prefecture, according to the JMA.
Heatstroke alerts were issued for 34 of Japan's 47 prefectures on Thursday.
Weather officials urged people to keep cool by using air conditioners, consuming adequate fluids and salt, and taking frequent breaks during outdoor activities. ■
