Japan Faces Extreme Weather: record Heatwave in Gunma Prefecture, Heavy Rainfall in the North
Isesaki, Gunma Prefecture – A new national temperature record was set in Japan today, as Isesaki City reached 41.8 degrees Celsius (107.2 degrees Fahrenheit) at 2:26 p.m. local time. This surpasses the previous high of 41.2 degrees Celsius recorded last Wednesday in Tamba City,Hyogo Prefecture.
The heatwave is impacting a wide swath of the country. Kiryu City and Maebashi City, also in Gunma Prefecture, registered temperatures of 41.2 and 41.0 degrees Celsius respectively. Further east, Koga City in Ibaraki Prefecture hit 40.6 degrees Celsius, and Tokyo’s Ome City reached 40.4 degrees Celsius.this marks the sixth instance this summer of temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius nationwide.
In response to the risky conditions, heatstroke alerts are currently in effect for 44 of Japan’s 47 prefectures. Authorities are strongly advising residents to limit outdoor activities, seek air-conditioned environments, and maintain adequate hydration with water and electrolytes.
Understanding Japan’s Heatwaves: A Growing Concern
Japan’s summers are typically humid, but recent years have seen a marked increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events. Scientists attribute this trend to climate change, with rising global temperatures exacerbating the effects of the country’s naturally humid climate. The elderly and young children are especially vulnerable to heatstroke, a potentially fatal condition. The ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare publishes detailed heatstroke prevention guidelines annually, emphasizing the importance of preventative measures.
Heavy Rainfall and Flood Risks in Northern Japan
While central and eastern Japan grapple with scorching temperatures, northern regions are experiencing torrential rainfall. A low-pressure system and associated weather front are causing unstable atmospheric conditions across Hokkaido and Tohoku.
Noshiro City in Akita Prefecture recorded 65 millimeters of rainfall in a single hour ending shortly after 4:30 a.m., establishing a new local record. Kushiro City in hokkaido also saw record rainfall, with 60 millimeters falling in the hour before 8:00 a.m. Localized heavy downpours are forecast to continue throughout the day.
The japan meteorological Agency (JMA) predicts up to 120 millimeters of rain in parts of Tohoku and Niigata Prefecture over the next 24 hours, thru Wednesday morning. The unstable weather pattern is expected to persist through Thursday,with continued rainfall in Tohoku,Niigata,and the hokuriku region.
Residents in these areas are urged to exercise caution due to the risk of flooding in low-lying areas, overflowing rivers, lightning strikes, strong wind gusts, and potential hail. The JMA provides real-time rainfall data and flood warnings on its website (www.jma.go.jp/jma/indexe.html).
