Japan issues heatstroke alerts for 17 prefectures amid record heat

On July 14 2026, extreme temperatures swept Japan, with about 150 locations expected to record a “midsummer day.” Temperatures reached 38 °C in Maebashi (Gunma), 36.5 °C in Kuwana (Mie), 35.2 °C in Nagoya, and 34 °C in central Tokyo.

The Environment Ministry and the Japan Meteorological Agency declared a heatstroke alert for 17 prefectures—the highest number on record. Officials urged residents to stay hydrated, take regular breaks, and use air‑conditioning.

Local governments opened cooling shelters and “suzumidokoro” facilities where people can rest in air‑conditioned spaces. Cities such as Ichikawa and Kikuchi posted locations and hours online.

In Fukui, the prefectural consumer cooperative deployed delivery workers to check on isolated elderly, offering water, fan‑clothing, and digital health checks, and calling emergency services when needed.