Overview
- Kyushu logged the season’s first 30°C readings as temperatures climbed on May 14 to 31.6°C in Yamaga, with Hita at 30.8°C, Asakura at 30.7°C, Kosa at 30.5°C, Saga at 30.4°C, and Sasebo at 30.0°C, levels typical of early to late July.
- Fukuoka and Kagoshima meteorological offices issued early high‑temperature information at 2:30 p.m. on May 14, projecting “considerably high” heat from around May 20 and urging heat‑illness prevention and careful crop and livestock management.
- Okinawa’s forecast cites the baiu (mei‑yu) front and moist air for cloudy to rainy conditions, with the Sakishima Islands at risk of heavy showers with thunder and coastal waves building through May 15.
- Forecasters warned that people are not yet acclimated to summer heat, so simple steps like hydrating, resting in shade, and checking on older adults can prevent heat stroke.
- Kumagaya updated its well‑known giant thermometer to add the new “kokusho‑bi” label for days at 40°C or above, reflecting Japan’s push to make extreme heat risks clearer to the public.