Weather officials in Japan are warning that a record-level heat wave is forecast for the next two weeks after the rainy season apparently ended unusually early in some regions.

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued the warning after announcing on Monday that it believes the season has ended in the Kanto-Koshin region, which includes Tokyo, as well as in Tokai and southern Kyushu.

If confirmed, it will be the earliest end in Kanto-Koshin and the second earliest in the other two regions since record-keeping began. It will also be the shortest rainy season on record for the three regions.

Agency official Umeda Takafumi said the agency made the announcement because sunny weather is expected to continue after a Pacific high-pressure system pushed the seasonal rain front northward.

Umeda urges people to take measures to prevent heatstroke, saying that intense heat is forecast in the coming two weeks. He also warns that a rain front and approaching typhoons could bring heavy rain.