Scorching weather with temperatures over 35 degrees Celsius has gripped the Kanto and Koshin regions, and is expected to continue on Wednesday, mainly in Kanto.

The Meteorological Agency says the mercury soared as sunny weather prevailed in and around Kanto on Tuesday. Daytime highs reached 38 degrees in Yamanashi Prefecture's Koshu City; 37.1 degrees in Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture; 36.9 degrees in Shizuoka City; 35.9 degrees in Miyazaki City and 35.7 degrees in Tokyo's Nerima Ward. They rose to 35 degrees or higher at 57 observation points across the country.

More than half of the observation points in Japan recorded 30 degrees or more. They include areas in northern Kyushu, which had been hit by disasters caused by record-heavy rain.

For Wednesday, daytime highs of 37 degrees are expected in Saitama and Maebashi cities, 36 in central Tokyo and Shizuoka, Kofu and Mito cities, and 35 degrees in Utsunomiya City.

Heatstroke alerts have been issued nationwide for Wednesday.

Weather officials are urging people to use air conditioners appropriately, stay hydrated regularly before feeling thirsty, and avoid nonessential outings and exercise during the day.