Overview
- The Japan Meteorological Agency confirmed on July 25 that temperatures reached 40°C or higher for five consecutive days, the longest such streak since comparable records began.
- Several cities hit extreme highs with Mino reaching 40.8°C, Tajimi 40.7°C, Kuwana 40.6°C and Kofu 40.0°C, and 22 locations have exceeded 40°C so far this year.
- Emergency services have been heavily strained as 10,857 people were taken to hospital for heatstroke during July 13–19 and 14 deaths were reported, with Tokyo logging a record 453 heatstroke ambulance transports on July 22.
- The JMA introduced the 40°C 'kokushobi' warning this year to boost public vigilance, but the label does not trigger national emergency powers so authorities are urging people to use air conditioning, hydrate and check on vulnerable people.
- The JMA blames a dominant Pacific high for the persistent heat and climate scientists say human-caused warming is raising the frequency and intensity of such events, a trend that is already disrupting sport, work routines and public services and could prolong risks into the coming months.