Japan has broken 17 heat records in a single day, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The extreme temperatures hit on Monday, following the country’s hottest-ever June and July.
The central city of Komatsu recorded a high of 40.3°C (104°F), its highest ever. Nearby, Toyama city reached 39.8°C (103°F), also a new local record. The JMA confirmed that 15 other locations across Japan reported temperatures ranging from 35.7°C to 39.8°C.
These records were logged at official weather stations. Japan has over 900 such monitoring points nationwide.
This heatwave comes just days after the country saw its highest temperature on record, 41.2°C (106°F) on July 30 in Hyogo prefecture.
Experts link these rising temperatures to global climate change. They warn that heatwaves are becoming more frequent and more intense worldwide, with Asia warming quickly.
Japan’s weather agency says the rainy season ended three weeks earlier than usual in the western regions. This early end, combined with the heat, has led to low water levels in several northern dams. Farmers now fear poor harvests due to the ongoing drought.
Other signs of a changing climate are also emerging. Mount Fuji’s snowcap appeared late last year, showing up in November instead of the usual October. Japan’s cherry blossom trees, famous worldwide, are now blooming early, or in some cases, not at all, due to warmer winters.
The JMA has warned of more “severe heat” in the coming months. June and July of this year were the hottest since records began in 1898.
Scientists from NOAA report that Asia is among the fastest-warming continents, second only to Europe.
As temperatures rise, Japan, and much of the world, faces growing risks from heat-related disasters and long-term environmental changes.
For more latest updates, check details on how this change will affect consumers, read the full story here.
