Mercury hits 35 C in Tokyo, marking first 'extremely hot' day of the year

Mercury climbed to 35 degrees Celsius in Tokyo on Monday, marking the first “extremely hot” day of the year, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. The temperature spike occurred as the rainy season officially ended in the city, signaling the start of a hotter period across Japan. With humidity levels high and wind conditions weak, the heatwave prompted health warnings and public alerts for potential heatstroke risks. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that temperatures reached 30 degrees Celsius or higher at over 600 of its 914 observation sites across the country on Monday morning. This widespread warmth affected multiple regions, with some areas recording temperatures well above average. In Tokyo, the mercury hit 35 degrees, while Nagoya saw similar readings. The agency warned that extreme heat is expected to persist through the week, with forecasts predicting up to 40 degrees Celsius in parts of central Japan. The end of the rainy season in Tokyo followed a delayed pattern compared to previous years. In the Kanto-Koshin region, which includes Tokyo, the rainy season concluded approximately 22 days later than in 2023. Similarly, in the Tokai region centered around Nagoya, the season ended 23 days later than the prior year. The delay contributed to prolonged periods of moisture and cooler temperatures before the arrival of summer heat. The rainy season in southern Japan, specifically the Kyushu region, had already been declared over on July 13, indicating a regional variation in seasonal transitions. As the weather shifts toward drier and warmer conditions, authorities have issued advisories urging residents to take precautions against the effects of high temperatures. Public health officials emphasized the importance of staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to sunlight, and seeking shelter during peak heat hours. Schools and workplaces were advised to implement flexible schedules to minimize time spent outdoors during the hottest parts of the day. The meteorological agency also highlighted that high temperatures are expected to continue across both western and eastern Japan throughout the coming week. Forecast models suggest that Tokyo could see temperatures rise to 37 degrees Celsius, while Nagoya might reach 40 degrees. These projections underscore the intensity of the upcoming heatwave, which is being attributed to broader climatic trends affecting the region. In response to the rising temperatures, local governments have begun distributing cooling supplies and setting up temporary shelters in community centers. Emergency services have increased staffing levels to handle potential cases of heat-related illnesses. Meanwhile, environmental groups have called attention to the long-term implications of such weather patterns, linking them to climate change and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in Japan.