TOKYO, July 17 (Xinhua) -- Japan on Monday continued to issue heatstroke alerts with near-record high temperatures boiling many parts of the country.
As temperatures soared to nearly 40 degrees Celsius in many regions including Tokyo, heatstroke alerts were issued for both Monday and Tuesday on about 20 of the country's 47 prefectures, mainly in the east and southwest, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).
Of 914 places where temperatures were recorded across the country, 157 measured daily highs of at least 35 degrees Celsius on Sunday, JMA's data showed.
The city of Kiryu in Gunma prefecture saw the mercury reach 39.7 degrees Celsius while Hachioji in western Tokyo experienced 38.9 degrees Celsius.
According to the data, some places experienced their highest temperatures in more than four decades during the day, including the town of Hirono in Fukushima prefecture, with 37.3 degrees Celsius, and hot spring resort city of Nasushiobara in Tochigi Prefecture, with 35.4 degrees Celsius, according to the weather agency's data.
In the city of Kyoto, where grand outdoor parades of the famous Gion Festival are taking place, more than 20 people, who were reportedly suffering from heatstroke, were taken to the hospital on Sunday.
Amid heat warnings during the day, Tokyo Disney Resort suspended some of its outdoor events including parades and shows.
