Heatstroke Warnings Issued Across Most of Japan
Tokyo Hits 34.8 Degrees, Osaka 33.4 Degrees
Exceptionally Rare for Mid-June
Expert: "Temperatures Likely to Be Higher Than Average This Year"
All of Japan has been gripped by an unusually early heatwave, resulting in at least four deaths from heatstroke. The Japan Meteorological Agency has urged the public to take preventive measures against the early heatwave sweeping the country.
On the 20th, Kofu City in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan recorded 38.2 degrees Celsius, 10 degrees higher than the average, Gunma Prefecture reached 37.7 degrees, and Shizuoka Prefecture rose to 37.6 degrees. Getty Images
According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP) on the 20th (local time), the Japan Meteorological Agency issued heatstroke warnings for most parts of the country over the past three days. This was due to a rapid rise in temperatures that began on the 17th. Such a heatwave is extremely rare for mid-June. According to the Meteorological Agency, on the 20th, Kofu City in Yamanashi Prefecture recorded 38.2 degrees Celsius, which is 10 degrees higher than the average, Gunma Prefecture reached 37.7 degrees, and Shizuoka Prefecture rose to 37.6 degrees.
Tokyo and Osaka, two of Japan's most popular tourist destinations, also recorded 34.8 degrees and 33.4 degrees, respectively. The Meteorological Agency reported that temperatures exceeded 30 degrees at 547 observation points nationwide, and the heatwave is expected to continue through the weekend.
All four people who died from heatstroke were elderly, including a 96-year-old woman who was found collapsed in a field in Gunma Prefecture. According to AFP, in Tokyo alone, 169 people were treated for heatstroke symptoms on the 17th and 57 people on the 18th.
The Meteorological Agency recommended drinking plenty of water during outdoor activities, seeking shade, and avoiding strenuous exercise. It also urged people to stay in contact with elderly neighbors to check on their well-being.
Professor Yukiko Imada of the Climate System Research Center at the University of Tokyo said, "The current heatwave is clearly an unusual phenomenon." She added, "For the first time since records began, more than 150 locations exceeded 35 degrees in mid-June," and noted, "It is also unusual that the seasonal rain front has disappeared, despite this being the rainy season."
Professor Imada identified the rapid expansion of the Pacific high-pressure system, which developed earlier than usual, as one of the causes of the heatwave. This high-pressure system typically affects all of Japan and brings high temperatures in July and August, but this year it spread exceptionally from June.
This abnormal heat is also related to global warming. Professor Yukiko said, "It is certain that global warming is the background for the overall rise in temperatures," and added, "The record heatwaves of the past two years are also related to marine heatwaves off the coast of Japan, and research is currently underway to analyze the causes." She further noted, "The three-month forecast is concerning," and said, "There is a high possibility that temperatures this year will be higher than average."
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