Be mindful of the heat today!

The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned that today (August 24th) will bring some of the hottest conditions of summer yet, with highs expected to reach 38°C in places like Gifu, Maebashi, and Saitama, and around 37°C even in central Tokyo and Kyoto. A total of 37 prefectures (stretching from Fukushima down to Okinawa) are under heatstroke alerts. 

On top of the heat, there's the potential of the weather flipping later in the day, with unstable conditions likely to bring heavy afternoon rain and thunderstorms in regions like Kanto, Shikoku, and northern Kyushu. It's a good reminder to prepare for both extremes at once, so carry water, stay cool, and perhaps keep an umbrella handy so you don't end up drenched!