If you’re planning a trip to Japan soon then do be prepared for some hot weather! The country is currently experiencing a strong heatwave, which has been producing record high temperatures in Tokyo, as numbers rise up to 41.1 degrees Celsius.
Source: CNN
On Monday (July 23), Japanese officials issued new warnings as the heatwave blanketed the country that has killed at least 15 people and hospitalised 12,000 people in just the first two weeks of July, CNA reported. About 11 people died on Saturday (July 21) across Japan and CNN reports that the death toll has likely reached 44 people since July 9.
The highest recorded temperature was at Kumagaya in Saitama outside Tokyo when the thermometer showed the temperature at 41.1 degrees Celsius, which is 12 degrees higher than the average temperature. Meanwhile, in the metro area, at western Tokyo’s Ome, the temperature soared to 40.3 degrees Celsius, which is record-breaking as this is the first time that it has been over 40.
Source: CNA
The Japan Meteorological Agency said that over a dozen cities and towns recorded temperatures that hovered around the 40 mark over the past few weeks.
Meteorological agency official Minako Sakurai said, “People in areas where temperatures are as high as 35 degrees or higher should be extremely careful to avoid heatstroke. And at even lower temperatures, the heat can be dangerous for small children and elderly people, depending on the environment and activities you are doing. People should be all the more careful as many people must be exhausted after days of cruelly hot weather,” she warned.
Source: Standard
Even at home, it is advisable to keep cool with air-conditioning and drink lots of water. According to Oriental Daily, an elderly couple was found dead in their Osaka home and the cause of death is believed to be from the heat as there were no other trauma signs on their bodies.
Express also reported that a little six-year-old boy tragically died after he had a school lesson outside and suffered from heatstroke. Although Japan’s summers are famously hot and humid, this year’s temperatures have taken everyone by surprise.
Source: Time
Officials have cautioned everyone to be careful of suffering from heat illness and remind them to drink sufficient water as well. Many outdoor events have been cancelled or put on hold as authorities do not want to take any risks as the heatwave is expected to last until August.
Take care of your health if you’re going to Japan, peeps!
Also read: Those Travelling to Japan and Taiwan Urged to Get Vaccinated Following Measles Outbreak
