Japan records hottest July on record for third consecutive year

Japan has recorded its hottest July since records began in 1898, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), marking the third consecutive year of unprecedented summer heat.

The nationwide average temperature was 2.89 degrees Celsius higher than usual, smashing the previous record set just last year in 2024 by a notable margin of 0.73 degrees.

Weather authorities called the rise "abnormally high", highlighting how the deviation far exceeds past anomalies. The heatwave saw extreme temperatures across the country, with Tamba City in Hyogo Prefecture hitting 41.2°C on 30 July – the highest ever recorded in Japan.

On 24 July, temperatures in parts of Hokkaido approached 40°C, an unusual spike for the typically cooler northern region.

Compounding the impact of the heat, the Sea of Japan side of the Tohoku region and the central Hokuriku region experienced their lowest July rainfall since records began in 1946, further intensifying drought conditions and agricultural stress.

Experts have attributed the recurring record-breaking heat to climate change and shifts in atmospheric circulation patterns. The JMA has warned the public to remain vigilant against heatstroke and prepare for continued extreme weather events.

The Japan Meteorological Agency said it will continue to monitor long-term temperature patterns and anomalies, while climate scientists are calling for accelerated emissions reduction policies to mitigate the broader risks of climate-induced disasters.

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