Japanese weather officials say temperatures are expected to rise across Japan in the next three months with higher-than-average figures continuing through the summer. Severe heat is expected.

The Japan Meteorological Agency released its six-month forecast on Tuesday. It says the temperatures are expected to be higher than average in northern, eastern and western Japan from March to May. The figures for Okinawa and Amami in that period are expected to be about average.

Japan is likely to have another hot summer this year with temperatures expected to be average or higher in northern, eastern and western Japan from June to August. Okinawa and Amami are likely to see about average numbers.

The agency says global warming and a La Nina climate pattern are likely to cause a high-pressure system in the Pacific Ocean and the continent to extend north and cover regions across Japan with warm air.

La Nina occurs when sea surface temperatures in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean near Peru become lower than usual. The phenomenon is believed to affect the weather around the globe.

Rainfall in the coming months, including during the rainy season, is expected to be about average across the country.

The agency is calling on people to be prepared to take measures against heatstroke as there will likely be hotter weather ahead.