Japan braces for 40C heat in Oita, landslide warnings in Tohoku
Translated from Japanese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Oita Prefecture's Hita city is forecast to experience extreme heat with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius.
- Heavy rain and potential landslides are expected in the Tohoku region.
- Residents are urged to take precautions against heatstroke and be aware of disaster risks.
Japan is facing extreme weather conditions, with parts of the country expected to experience scorching heat while others face warnings of heavy rain and potential landslides. In the western and eastern regions of Japan, temperatures are predicted to rise significantly on August 2nd.
Specifically, the city of Hita in Oita Prefecture is forecast to reach a high of 40 degrees Celsius, classifying it as a "้ ทๆๆฅ" (kokushobi), or an extremely hot day. Even areas affected by recent earthquakes, such as in Kumamoto Prefecture, are expected to experience dangerous heat, prompting urgent calls for continued measures to prevent heatstroke.
Meanwhile, the Tohoku region is under a strict warning for heavy rainfall due to low-pressure systems and other weather factors. Residents in this area are advised to be on high alert for the risk of landslides. The contrasting weather patterns highlight the diverse challenges facing different parts of Japan as they navigate severe summer conditions.
Originally published by NHK in Japanese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.