{
  "id": 3525663,
  "title": "Fukuoka Hits 40.4C as Japan Heat Wave Death Toll Rises to 79",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/fukuoka-hits-40-4c-as-japan-heat-wave-death-toll-rises-to-79",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-26T14:38:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Tempo.co English",
    "slug": "tempo-co-english",
    "url": "https://en.tempo.co/read/2118367/fukuoka-hits-40-4c-as-japan-heat-wave-death-toll-rises-to-79"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Japan experienced extreme heat on Wednesday, with temperatures soaring to 40.4°C in the southwestern city of Fukuoka, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The heat wave has now claimed at least 79 lives across the country. The mercury hit 40.4°C (104.7°F) in Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, at 1:29 p.m. local time. This is the highest temperature recorded in the region, with the city enduring extreme heat for ten consecutive days. The JMA attributes the high temperatures to hot, humid air associated with a typhoon and a persistent high-pressure system bringing hot, sunny conditions across much of Japan. Many areas experienced temperatures exceeding 35°C, particularly in western Japan, including Kumamoto Prefecture, which was recently hit by an earthquake. Heatstroke alerts were issued in 37 of Japan's 47 prefectures as authorities urged residents to take precautions against the prolonged heat. The extended heat wave has placed additional pressure on Japan's public health system, with over 41,000 people hospitalized for heatstroke in July alone. The majority of those hospitalized were aged 65 or older, accounting for more than 60% of the total. At least 79 people have been confirmed dead due to the heat. Japan has faced increasingly severe summer heat in recent years and has introduced the term \"kokushobi,\" or \"cruelly hot days,\" for days when temperatures reach 40°C or higher. This latest heat wave comes after another episode of extreme weather earlier this month, when torrential rain and flash floods struck parts of eastern Japan, leading to urban flooding and at least 13 deaths.",
  "summary": "Japan's heat wave pushes temperatures in Fukuoka to 40.4C, while at least 79 people have died from heatstroke nationwide.",
  "key_points": [
    "Fukuoka recorded 40.4°C, Japan's highest temperature in the region.",
    "Heat wave caused 79 deaths across Japan, mostly among elderly.",
    "Heat alerts issued in 37 prefectures, public health strained."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}