Heatwave Kills Four, Triggers Japan-Wide Alerts

Japan is experiencing a record-breaking early-summer heatwave with temperatures soaring above 35°C in multiple regions, including a high of 38.2°C in Kofu. This unusual heat has resulted in at least four elderly deaths from suspected heatstroke and has strained healthcare services, with hundreds treated for heat-related symptoms in Tokyo alone. Authorities have issued heatstroke warnings and established over 500 cooling shelters, urging the public, especially the elderly, to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activities. Meteorologists attribute the heatwave to a strong Pacific high-pressure system and warn that above-average temperatures are likely to persist through the weekend, raising concerns about ongoing extreme heat events amid climate change. Similarly, the United States is also facing extreme heat conditions, with heat-related warnings across 21 states, including parts of Arizona, Nevada, California, and the Midwest, where temperatures are expected to reach dangerous levels, prompting advisories on hydration and staying cool to prevent heat-related illnesses.