Weather officials announced the earliest end to the annual summer rainy season since the
The sultry temperatures would be considered mild compared to some South and Southeast Asian countries. But they are adding to worries over power shortages over the summer. Some coal-fired plants serving the region were taken offline for repairs after a strong earthquake in mid-March. The government warned of potential problems in late March, though no actual outages occurred.
The economy and industry ministry urged people living in the region serviced by the
“We are struck by unusual heat for the season,” Ogawa said. “Please cooperate and save as much power as possible.”
Ogawa, however, said people should use air conditioning appropriately and take precautions against heat stroke.
Heat stroke is a big concern since many older Japanese tend to avoid using air-conditioning, partly out of habit and partly to avoid running up big electricity bills. Older Japanese homes also tend to lack insulation and are stifling hot in the summer and very cold in the winter.
The Japanese archipelago has seen record high temperatures for June in some areas. In Isezaki, north of
With humidity at about 44%, temperatures felt still warmer.
With hot air coming from a powerful high atmospheric pressure system stalled over the
More than 250 people were taken to hospitals in
The power supply is relatively tight after
Prime Minister
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