TOKYO, July 29 (Xinhua) -- Japan's weather agency said a blistering heat wave continued to grip much of Japan on Saturday, with heatstroke alerts issued for 38 prefectures across the country.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said a high-pressure system covering the archipelago drove up temperatures from early morning, and by noon, Ushiku in Ichihara City, Chiba Prefecture, and Yonago City, Tottori Prefecture, registered 37.2 degrees.
Daytime highs were expected to reach 39 degrees in Kumagaya City, and 38 degrees in such cities as Kyoto, Saitama, Maebashi and Fukushima, said the JMA.
Weather officials warned that the intense heat will continue through Friday next week. ■