Seventeen Heat Records Broken in Japan
Japan experiences its hottest June and July since data collection began in 1898 as heatwaves intensify globally.
TOKYO: Seventeen heat records were broken in Japan on Monday, the weather agency reported, following the country's highest ever temperatures in June and July.
According to scientists, heatwaves are becoming more intense and frequent worldwide due to human-caused climate change, a trend also observed in Japan.
The city of Komatsu, located in Ishikawa's central region, recorded a new high temperature of 40.3 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) on Monday, per the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).
Toyama city in Toyama prefecture saw similar extreme conditions at 39.8C (103F), surpassing previous records since data collection commenced.
Fifteen additional locations across various cities and towns experienced new high temperatures ranging from 35.7C (96F) to 39.8C, as highlighted by the JMA, which monitors temperature levels at over 900 points across Japan.
On July 30th, Japan achieved its highest recorded temperature of 41.2C (106F) in Hyogo's western region.
The early conclusion of the rainy season, approximately three weeks earlier than usual in western Japan, further exacerbated conditions.
Northern regions faced low rainfall and extreme heat, leading to alarmingly low water levels in several dams, a concern for local farmers as it may impact harvests adversely.
Climate change's effects extend beyond weather extremes.
Japan's cherished cherry trees are witnessing altered blooming patterns due to warmer temperatures, sometimes failing to bloom adequately because the traditional cold spells of autumn and winter no longer trigger flowering.
Mount Fuji, renowned for its snowcap, saw its latest appearance last year in early November compared to an average onset date in early October.
Japan registered its hottest June and July since 1898 this year, with continued warnings from the weather agency about severe heat expected in forthcoming months.
While temperature increases are not uniform globally, Europe has experienced the quickest warming rates per decade since 1990, closely followed by Asia according to data from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
According to scientists, heatwaves are becoming more intense and frequent worldwide due to human-caused climate change, a trend also observed in Japan.
The city of Komatsu, located in Ishikawa's central region, recorded a new high temperature of 40.3 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) on Monday, per the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).
Toyama city in Toyama prefecture saw similar extreme conditions at 39.8C (103F), surpassing previous records since data collection commenced.
Fifteen additional locations across various cities and towns experienced new high temperatures ranging from 35.7C (96F) to 39.8C, as highlighted by the JMA, which monitors temperature levels at over 900 points across Japan.
On July 30th, Japan achieved its highest recorded temperature of 41.2C (106F) in Hyogo's western region.
The early conclusion of the rainy season, approximately three weeks earlier than usual in western Japan, further exacerbated conditions.
Northern regions faced low rainfall and extreme heat, leading to alarmingly low water levels in several dams, a concern for local farmers as it may impact harvests adversely.
Climate change's effects extend beyond weather extremes.
Japan's cherished cherry trees are witnessing altered blooming patterns due to warmer temperatures, sometimes failing to bloom adequately because the traditional cold spells of autumn and winter no longer trigger flowering.
Mount Fuji, renowned for its snowcap, saw its latest appearance last year in early November compared to an average onset date in early October.
Japan registered its hottest June and July since 1898 this year, with continued warnings from the weather agency about severe heat expected in forthcoming months.
While temperature increases are not uniform globally, Europe has experienced the quickest warming rates per decade since 1990, closely followed by Asia according to data from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
