Temperature hits record 106F in Japan heatwave

Japan experienced its hottest day ever yesterday as the temperature rose to 106F (41.1C) during a heatwave that has killed at least 23 people.

The temperature, the highest ever recorded in the country, was recorded in Kumagaya, in Saitama prefecture, north-west of Tokyo, topping the previous high of 105.8F (41C) in the western prefecture of Kochi in August 2013, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

Japan has been experiencing intense heat for almost two weeks, with thousands of people across the country being taken to hospital.