Japan Records Longest-Ever Streak of 5 Consecutive Days Above 40°C

Japan is enduring a severe and prolonged heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius for five consecutive days, shattering historical records. This intense period of extreme heat has gripped the nation, breaking the previous record of four consecutive days above 40°C set in 2013 and 2025.

On July 25, Kuwana City in Mie Prefecture recorded a scorching 40.5°C, while Tajimi City in Gifu Prefecture reached 40.0°C, marking the highest temperatures recorded. This five-day streak of temperatures above 40°C is the longest since records began in 2010. By midday on July 25, a staggering 181 out of 914 observation points across the country registered temperatures above 35°C, indicating widespread severe heat.

The Japan Meteorological Agency attributes the rapid temperature rise to a high-pressure system blanketing western Japan, leading to clear, cloudless skies. In addition to the extreme heat days, 540 locations experienced 'Manatsubi,' or days with temperatures reaching 30°C or higher. The persistent high temperatures pose significant risks to public health and infrastructure, underscoring the growing impact of climate change on extreme weather events.