Daytime temperatures are expected to soar to dangerous levels in central and western Japan on Wednesday. Taking steps to protect against heatstroke is essential.

Sunny weather along the Pacific coast of eastern and western Japan began driving up temperatures Wednesday morning.

By 11:30 a.m., the mercury had risen to 37.5 degrees Celsius in Shizuoka Prefecture's Hamamatsu City and Wakayama Prefecture's Shingu City; 37.4 in Kumano City, Mie Prefecture; and 36.6 in Kochi City.

Daytime highs are forecast at 38 degrees in Hamamatsu, Kochi, Yamanashi Prefecture's Kofu City, Aichi Prefecture's Nagoya City and Mie Prefecture's Owase City.

The mercury is likely to hit 37 degrees in two cities, Saitama and Kyoto.

Highs of 35 degrees are forecast for central Tokyo and Fukuoka City.

Heatstroke alerts have been issued for 29 out of 47 prefectures.

People are advised to avoid non-essential outings, use air conditioners without hesitation, and to consume adequate amounts of fluids and salt on regular basis.

Special attention should be paid to elderly people and infants because they are at higher risk of developing heatstroke.