Is there any escaping Japan’s summer 酷暑 (kokusho, extreme heat)?

In April, the 気象庁 (kishōchō, Japan Meteorological Agency) released a bulletin titled 最高気温が40度以上の日の名称を「酷暑日」に決定 (Saikō kion ga yonjū-do ijō no hi no meishō o “kokusho-bi” ni kettei, The name “intense heat day” has been officially adopted for days when the maximum temperature reaches 40 degrees Celsius or higher).

The kanji that comprise 酷暑 are 酷 (hido[i]/koku) and 暑 (atsu[i]/sho), the later meaning “hot” and the former meaning “severe,” “harsh” or “cruel.” This has led some overseas news outlets to translate 酷暑日 (kokusho-bi) as a “cruelly hot day.”