Heatstroke Alert Issued for 28 Prefectures Across Japan
Japan's weather agency has issued a heatstroke warning for Monday, August 24.
The warning covers 28 prefectures, stretching from the Kanto region in the east to Kyushu and Okinawa in the south.
This summer has brought extreme heat to much of the country, and health officials are asking people to take extra care.
In Kagawa Prefecture, there has been a rise in heatstroke cases happening at home rather than outdoors. Many people have needed emergency transport after feeling unwell during or after a bath.
Health experts are advising residents to drink water immediately after returning home, since dehydration can happen quickly indoors during hot weather.
Meanwhile, in Okayama Prefecture, the town of Chiya recorded a temperature of 35.6°C, its highest ever measured.
Weather forecasters expect the intense heat to continue until around August 26 before conditions begin to ease slightly.
Authorities are reminding people, especially the elderly and young children, to avoid staying outside for long periods.
They also recommend using air conditioning, staying in the shade, and checking on family members and neighbors who may be at higher risk.
The heatstroke alert system was created to warn the public early so that people can take steps to protect their health before conditions become dangerous.
Vocabulary11 words
- heatstroke
- a serious illness caused by too much heat
- prefecture
- a large administrative area in Japan
- extreme heat
- unusually very hot weather
- emergency transport
- being taken quickly to a hospital
- dehydration
- not having enough water in the body
- elderly
- older people
- forecaster
- someone who predicts the weather
- alert system
- a way of warning people about danger
- residents
- people who live in a place
- risk
- a chance of harm or danger
- conditions
- the state of the weather
Quiz
Answer key
1. Kanto to Kyushu and Okinawa 2. Heatstroke cases at home, especially after bathing 3. True
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Japan's weather agency has issued a _____ warning for Monday, August 24.
The warning covers 28 _____, stretching from the Kanto region in the east to Kyushu and Okinawa in the south.
This summer has brought _____ to much of the country, and health officials are asking people to take extra care.
In Kagawa Prefecture, there has been a rise in heatstroke cases happening at home rather than outdoors. Many people have needed _____ after feeling unwell during or after a bath.
Health experts are advising residents to drink water immediately after returning home, since _____ can happen quickly indoors during hot weather.
Meanwhile, in Okayama Prefecture, the town of Chiya recorded a temperature of 35.6°C, its highest _____ measured.
Weather forecasters expect the intense heat to continue until around August 26 before conditions begin to _____ slightly.
Authorities are reminding people, especially the _____ and young children, to avoid staying outside for long periods.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think more heatstroke cases are happening at home rather than outdoors?
- What steps can people take to prevent heatstroke during extreme heat?
- Why might elderly people and young children be at higher risk during hot weather?
- How does your country warn people about dangerous weather conditions?