Parts of southwestern Japan experienced extreme heat on Saturday. Temperatures reached a record-tying 39.3 C in Dazaifu, Fukuoka Prefecture.
Of the country's 914 observation points, 43 recorded temperatures of 35 C or higher. More than half, or 491 points, reached 30 C or above.
Residents in Fukuoka and nearby Kumamoto Prefecture were advised to take precautions against heatstroke. The Japan Meteorological Agency expects scorching temperatures to continue in western and eastern Japan toward next Saturday.
Temperatures hit 38.3 C in Hita, Oita Prefecture, and 38.1 C in Kurume, Fukuoka.