Record summer heat scorches many parts of Japan. With a high-pressure system hovering over wide areas, Shizuoka reported 40.0 C at 1:18 p.m., and temperatures had risen to 35 C or above at 168 locations among the Japan Meteorological Agency’s 914 observation points nationwide by 1 a.m.

Japan recorded a temperature of 40 C for the first time this year on Sunday, with the mercury hitting the scorching level in central Japan as a heatwave continues to engulf the nation, according to the weather agency.

With a high-pressure system hovering over wide areas, Shizuoka reported 40.0 C at 1:18 p.m., and temperatures had risen to 35 C or above at 168 locations among the Japan Meteorological Agency’s 914 observation points nationwide by 1 a.m.