Now, Japan is suffering from a record-shattering heatwave. In Tokyo, temperatures have exceeded 35 degrees Celsius or higher for a record ten straight days. This is the longest continuing stretch of record-shattering heat we’ve ever recorded since 1875 when records started. The country recently sweltered through its hottest June and July on record. This sobering reality is reason enough to be concerned about the serious impacts of climate change on our public health.
As the scorching heatwave continued, Japan experienced its highest temperature on record. In August, the core city of Isesaki recorded a blistering 41.8 degrees Celsius. Extreme heat combined with high humidity made the population as vulnerable as ever. The elderly are at the highest risk, as they are more vulnerable to acute and chronic heat-related illnesses. In only a week’s time, more than 8,400 people were hospitalized from heat-related issues. Tragically, twelve people died as a result of this crisis.
Record-Breaking Climate Data
As the Japan Meteorological Agency’s latest preliminary report found, the evidence is piling up on the deeply alarming climate impacts. The national meteorological agency alarmingly reported that Japan has just witnessed its highest June and July since records began in 1898. On top of that, the summer of 2023 is officially now tied with the summer of 2022 as the second hottest summer on record. These shocking figures show how critically important it is that we combat climate change and the role it plays in creating more extreme weather.
What’s more, the fall of 2022 turned out to be the warmest in Japan’s recorded history over the last 126 years. Last year, the iconic snowcap of Mount Fuji was conspicuously missing for much of the summer. It just roared back to life in early November. This change in seasonal patterns makes us worry about the future impact of increasing temperature on Japan’s natural environment.
Health Risks and Public Safety
In response to this unprecedented and severe weather, Japanese authorities have sent emergency warnings to the public. They are urging residents to seek refuge in air-conditioned buildings. That same elderly population—the second oldest in the world after Monaco—are especially at risk during acute heatwaves. These facts could help authorities educate the public on the risks of heatstroke and why hydration and cooling methods are so important.
“is the first time since the survey started” – Japan Meteorological Agency
Local government are on the ground hustling to move resources. They are playing a key role in getting life-saving support to those most impacted by the heat. Public health experts are warning to stay particularly alert in such extreme heat to protect the most vulnerable, including the very young and the elderly.
Weather Extremes Across the Nation
Just as Tokyo experiences the worst of the new heat extremes, other areas are grappling with more severe climatic conditions. In a rare stroke of fate, Toyotomi received some incredible rainfall. Over the course of just 12 hours, they got more rain than their entire monthly average of rain for the month of August. A city in Hokkaido was subject to the highest rainfall totals ever recorded. This torrential rainfall forced authorities to issue evacuation orders for almost 400 families in Hagi City due to the threat of landslides.
As Japan’s climate continues to transform, the very nature of these natural phenomena is beginning to change. Cherry blossoms are not only blooming earlier than before, or failing to bloom altogether without the needed cold temperatures in fall and winter. This change brings a strong focus to time-sensitive weather threats while considering chronic ecological effects based on an astounding environmental vision.