Japan Warns of Extreme Heat and Heatstroke Risk on August 26

Japan is expecting very hot weather on Wednesday, August 26. In Nagano city, the highest temperature will reach 35°C, while nearby Matsumoto city will be even hotter at 37°C.

Along with the heat, strong UV radiation is expected in both cities. UV rays from the sun can damage the skin, so people are advised to protect themselves when outside.

Despite the daytime heat, both Nagano and Matsumoto are forecast to have rain in the evening, which may bring some relief after the hot day.

Because of the extreme heat, Japan's weather authorities have issued a heatstroke alert for 36 prefectures, stretching from the Kanto region in the east to Kyushu in the south.

This kind of alert is given when conditions are dangerous enough to cause heatstroke, a serious illness caused by the body overheating. Symptoms can include dizziness, headache and confusion, and in severe cases it can be life-threatening.

Officials are urging residents in the affected areas to take precautions such as drinking plenty of water, avoiding direct sunlight during the hottest hours, and using air conditioning when possible.

The alert system was created to reduce the number of heat-related illnesses and deaths, which tend to rise sharply during Japan's hot summer months. With more than 30 prefectures included this time, the warning highlights how widespread the extreme heat has become across the country.