Japan Experiences 5th Hottest Summer on Record... Record 36 Locations Hit 40°C or Higher

Kyodo News and other outlets reported today (Sept. 1) that the average summer temperature across Japan this year ranked as the 5th highest on record since tracking began.

The Japan Meteorological Agency announced that the average temperature nationwide from June to August was 1.02°C higher than normal years, making it the 5th hottest summer since records began in 1898.

A record 36 locations experienced maximum temperatures reaching 40°C or higher.

In particular, record-breaking high temperatures persisted mainly in western Japan from mid-July to early August.

During this period, the average temperature in Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto Prefecture, in Kyushu reached 26.5°C, the highest since observations began, while Kumamoto City (28°C) and Hita, Oita Prefecture (27.5°C) tied for first place with their all-time record highs.

The Japan Meteorological Agency explained that the westerly winds flowed further north than usual, covering a wide area in warm air. High-pressure systems overlapped in the upper and lower layers to form a thick high-pressure column, trapping the heat and causing temperatures to rise.

The agency added that the effects of global warming, along with prolonged sunny weather centered around western Japan, also contributed to the heat.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.