Japan has recorded its highest temperatures in a single day, reaching 41.6 degrees Celsius (106.8 degrees Fahrenheit) and 41.8C (107.2F), according to the country’s Meteorological Agency. These record-breaking temperatures surpass the previous high of 41.2C (106.2F) observed in the western Hyogo region last month. The scorching heat has prompted heatstroke alerts in 44 of Japan’s 47 prefectures.
The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that last month was the hottest July since records began in 1898, with the average monthly temperature 2.89C above the 1991-2020 average. Kyoto, a popular tourist destination, saw temperatures hit 40C (104F) for the first time at all observation points, with the oldest point dating back to 1880 and the newest to 2002.
Experts warn that climate change is creating more erratic weather patterns, impacting Japan and other parts of the world. Japan’s beloved cherry trees are blooming earlier or not fully blossoming due to warmer temperatures, and the famous snowcap of Mount Fuji was absent for a record period last year. Neighboring South Korea also experienced its second-hottest July, with an average temperature of 27.1C (80.8F).
The extreme heat has significant implications for Japan’s agriculture, with farmers struggling due to water shortages and slowed rice cultivation. Precipitation in July was low nationwide, with northern regions facing record-low rainfall. The rainy season ended about three weeks earlier than usual in western Japan, another record.
As temperatures continue to rise, Japanese officials urge the public to take precautions to avoid heatstroke, particularly the elderly, who are most at risk. This year’s heatwave is part of a larger global trend, with Western Europe experiencing its hottest June on record and extreme temperatures causing widespread health issues.
The record-breaking heatwave in Japan has not only raised concerns about public health but also posed significant threats to the country’s agriculture, particularly rice crops. With temperatures soaring to an unprecedented 41.8°C in Isesaki, Gunma Prefecture, the government has urged residents to stay indoors and take necessary precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses. The heatwave has already resulted in over 53,000 reported cases of heatstroke this summer, prompting authorities to implement measures to mitigate the impact on agriculture, including new pest control strategies to address the spread of stink bugs in rice-growing areas.