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🇯🇵 Japan /Environment & Climate

Western Japan saw highest July temperatures on record, linked to global warming

From NHK · () Japanese

Translated from Japanese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Japan's Meteorological Agency reported that the average temperature in mid-to-late July was the highest on record since 1946, particularly in Western Japan.
  • A group of researchers stated that such extreme heat would not have occurred without global warming.
  • The report highlights a period of intense heatwaves across the country, with specific mention of record-breaking temperatures in Kumamoto.

Japan experienced record-breaking high temperatures across the country in mid-to-late July, with Western Japan recording the highest average temperature since meteorological records began in 1946. The Japan Meteorological Agency confirmed the extreme heat that led to numerous "scorching days" nationwide.

A group of researchers, including scientists, has attributed the unprecedented heat to global warming. They stated that such extreme weather conditions would not have occurred in the absence of climate change, underscoring the impact of rising global temperatures on regional weather patterns.

The report details a period of intense heatwaves, with specific attention drawn to Kumamoto, which experienced its first "scorching day" on August 3rd. The dangerous heat was forecast to continue in the disaster-stricken region on August 4th. This extreme weather event serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing climate crisis and its tangible effects on daily life and public safety.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by NHK in Japanese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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