High temperatures are expected to continue in much of Japan on Saturday. A high of 35 degrees Celsius or above is forecast for many areas, with temperatures expected to reach 38 degrees in Shizuoka City, central Japan. Heatstroke alerts have been issued for 22 prefectures from the Kanto region to Okinawa Prefecture.

The Meteorological Agency says a high-pressure system in the Pacific Ocean will continue to cover the western and eastern parts of the country and raise temperatures.

The daytime high is expected to reach 37 degrees in Nakatsu City in Oita Prefecture.

A high of 36 degrees is expected in the cities of Saitama, Kofu, Yamaguchi, Oita, Miyazaki and Kagoshima.

A high of 35 degrees is forecast for Ichinoseki City in Iwate Prefecture, Maebashi City, central Tokyo, as well as the cities of Osaka, Okayama, Hiroshima, Matsuyama and Fukuoka.

The Meteorological Agency and the Environment Ministry issued heatstroke alerts for 22 prefectures, including Tokyo, Shizuoka, Hiroshima, Fukuoka and Okinawa.

People are advised to refrain from intense exercise and unnecessary outings, and to use air conditioners properly.