Japan was under the grip of an unprecedented heatwave on Monday, setting 17 all-time national temperature records. The country recently experienced its hottest June and July months since records started being kept in 1898. Now, an incredibly intense heatwave has come in hot on its heels. This past January, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) sounded the alarm from across the sea. In the city of Komatsu, the mercury reached an incredible 40.3 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).
That’s because temperatures are soaring throughout the entire country. Fifteen places have set records of at least 35.7 degrees Celsius (96 degrees Fahrenheit) to 39.8 degrees Celsius (103 degrees Fahrenheit). Toyama city in Toyama prefecture set its all-time high temperature record of 39.8 degrees Celsius. This climate disaster highlights a greater trend of more intense heatwaves in Japan.
Unprecedented Heat Records
On July 30, Japan recorded its highest temperature on record. The mercury hit a record 41.2 degrees Celsius (106 degrees Fahrenheit) in the western prefecture of Hyogo. Such extreme readings have raised the hair on the backs of the necks of some of the best meteorologists and climate experts. The JMA plays an important role in monitoring temperatures at over 900 locations across Japan. This critical data provides insight into how extreme and common these lethal heat events are.
Normally the rainy season provides a reprieve from the summer’s blistering heat. Yet it concluded about three weeks earlier than average across Western states. This break with climate averages and history deepens the alarm that climate change is upending historical patterns and events.
“severe heat” – [“Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)” – phys.org]
Rising temperatures go beyond temporary threats to our comfort. They propel major ecological changes, such as altering flowering times of plants. Japan’s cherry trees, for example, have started to bloom earlier, signaling changes in seasonal patterns from warming temperatures.
Climate Change and Its Effects
Human-caused climate change is the main factor pushing these heatwaves to be hotter and more destructive. Consequently, the planet is experiencing more frequent and intense extreme weather events worldwide. It’s clear to see that Japan is not the only one following this global trend. Last summer, Mount Fuji was snow-free for the longest time on record. Snowcap comparative Flickr photo The snowcap didn’t show up until early November. This was a marked departure from typical timing in early October, indicating rapid changes in climate.
As these changes continue to show their effects, climatologists and experts have been sounding the alarm that more “extreme heat” could hit Japan in the months ahead. The ongoing trend raises urgent questions about public health, environmental stability, and energy consumption as citizens adapt to an increasingly hostile climate.
Societal Implications
The impacts of this latest heatwave go well beyond just a new swathe of temperature records. Public health officials warn of severe heat-related illnesses as all Arizonans learn to live with the awful, dangerous heat. Vulnerable populations, especially the elderly, tend to bear the brunt during these heat impacts.
Energy demand significantly grows during these extreme heat days, exacerbating the strain placed on electric grids and often resulting in power shortages. The authorities have been warning citizens to stay hydrated. To avoid health impacts from the extreme heat, they advise people to minimize time outside during hottest parts of the day.
