Japan continued to endure extreme summer heat on Wednesday, with temperatures in the southwestern city of Fukuoka reaching 40.4C (104.7F) as authorities reported that at least 79 people died from heatstroke nationwide in July.
The temperature recorded in Fukuoka’s Hakata Ward marked the city’s 10th consecutive day of extreme heat, according to Kyodo News.
High-pressure conditions pushed temperatures sharply higher across large parts of Japan, while Fukuoka was also affected by hot and humid air associated with a nearby typhoon.
As average summer temperatures continue to rise, Japanese authorities have introduced the term “kokushobi,” or “cruelly hot days,” for days when temperatures reach or exceed 40C.
The prolonged heat has placed significant pressure on public health services. More than 41,000 people were taken to hospitals with heatstroke during July, according to Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency.
Of those hospitalised, 24,769 were aged 65 or above, representing more than 60% of the total, while at least 79 deaths were confirmed.
The latest heat wave follows another spell of severe weather earlier this month, when torrential rainfall and flash flooding struck eastern Japan.
Heavy rain inundated parts of Chiba prefecture, east of Tokyo, causing widespread urban flooding and leaving at least 13 people dead.