ISTANBUL

Japan experienced hottest September on record, the country’s weather agency has said.

The Japan Meteorological Agency said in a statement late Monday that the average temperature in September was recorded 2.66 degrees Celsius (36.7 degrees Fahrenheit) higher than the average temperatures.

It is highest since statistics began in 1898, the agency said. The hot weather is expected to continue through the winter until February.

The agency survey of 914 locations across the nation revealed Japan recorded 35C (95F) or higher temperatures at 385 places.

The temperatures surged past the previous record in 2012, which saw mercury rose 1.51C (35.7F) above average records.