The city of Komatsu, in central Ishikawa prefecture, recorded a record high of 40.3°C today, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). Temperatures in Toyama city, the capital of the same-named prefecture, also reached a historic 39.8°C.
The JMA, which monitors temperatures at over 900 locations across Japan, reported that 15 other locations throughout cities and towns soared to new highs, ranging from 35.7°C to 39.8°C.
On 30/7, Japan recorded its all-time highest temperature of 41.2°C in the western Hyogo region. The country also experienced its hottest June and July since records began in 1898.
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Pedestrians walk amidst the heat in Tokyo, Japan, on 26/7. Photo: AFP |
Pedestrians walk amidst the heat in Tokyo, Japan, on 26/7. Photo: AFP
Over 10,800 people, half of them over 64 years old, were hospitalized with heat-related symptoms in the week leading up to 21/7. Japan's disaster management agency reported 16 heat-related deaths since the start of the season.
The JMA warned that extreme heat will continue in the coming months. Japan's rainy season ended three weeks earlier than usual. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism reported that low rainfall combined with high temperatures has left some dams in the north nearly depleted. Farmers are concerned that drought and extreme heat could devastate crops.
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Plastic food models melt in the heat in Fukuoka, Japan, on 2/8. Photo: X/TOMO |
Plastic food models melt in the heat in Fukuoka, Japan, on 2/8. Photo: X/TOMO
Duc Trung (According to AFP, Guardian)
