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Japan has experienced its first “kokushobi”, or “cruelly hot day”, as temperatures in parts of the country climbed past 40C (104F). <\/b><\/p>\n
The term was introduced in April by the country’s weather agency to describe days when temperatures reach 40C, with the aim of more effectively warning the public about dangerous heat.<\/p>\n
On Tuesday, temperatures in three central Japanese cities – Tajimi, Gujo, and Toyoda – hit that threshold. The heat is expected to continue into next week, said Japan’s Meteorological Agency (JMA). <\/p>\n
It comes as extreme weather events like heatwaves are becoming more intense around the world. Last year, Japan saw its highest-ever temperature of 41.8C in the city of Isesaki.<\/p>\n
Japan currently already has terms for days over 25C, 30C and 35C. <\/p>\n
Days with temperatures exceeding 35C are known as moshobi – or “extremely hot days”.<\/p>\n
But its more severe counterpart uses the term koku – meaning harsh or cruel – to describe the heat.<\/p>\n
Nearly 300 out of the country’s 914 observation points recorded a moshobi on Tuesday, Kyodo News reported.<\/p>\n
It also comes as authorities have issued heatstroke alerts in more than 40 prefectures across the country. They have also advised people to use air-conditioners, drink enough water and consume salt, as well as avoid prolonged outdoor activities.<\/p>\n
The Tokyo Fire Department said a total of 287 people, aged three to 103, were taken to the city’s hospitals on Tuesday because of apparent heatstroke – the highest number recorded this year, said national broadcaster NHK.<\/p>\n
The fire department also issued an ambulance overload alert on Wednesday and urged people to protect themselves from the heat.<\/p>\n
It comes as Japan’s summers are getting hotter and more dangerous. Last year, the number of people who suffered heatstrokes at their workplaces reached a record 1,803, said a report by news outlet Kyodo. Nineteen of them died.<\/p>\n
As Japan braces for another hot summer, the Tokyo government has encouraged office workers to adopt more casual attire like T-shirts and shorts<\/a>, instead of suit and ties, because of the heat.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n