Photo/Illutration Pedestrians carry umbrellas to shield themselves from the blazing sun as they walk across an intersection on July 17 in Tokyo. (AP Photo)

Japan continues to be in the grip of a scorching heat wave on July 18 with a heat stroke alert issued for 21 prefectures including Tokyo, Aichi and Osaka. 

The alert issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency and other authorities warns of continuing dangerously hot weather in these prefectures.

Maximum temperatures are expected to hit 37 degrees in Tokyo, 36 degrees in Osaka, 38 degrees in Nagoya and 35 degrees in Fukuoka. 

With eastern and western Japan blanketed by a high-pressure system, temperatures of 35 degrees or higher were recorded at 195 locations nationwide on July 17 as of 5 p.m.

That was the highest number this year, surpassing the 157 stations observed on July 16 that exceeded the threshold.

The highest temperature in Japan logged on July 17 was 39.1 degrees in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture. Koshu in Yamanashi Prefecture followed at 38.8 degrees and Tajimi in Gifu Prefecture reported a high of 38.7 degrees.

According to the Tokyo Fire Department, a total of 103 people between the ages of 6 and 95 were transported to hospitals for heat stroke or suspected heat stroke on July 17 as of 9 p.m. in areas of its jurisdiction excluding Inagi city and the islands.

As the ambulance dispatch rate is increasing, Tokyo officials are asking callers inquiring about possible heat stroke symptoms to use the #7119 telephone consultation service.

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