Japan Battles Intense Heat Wave, Issues Heatstroke Alerts

On July 7th, overseas tourists were observed navigating the Imperial Palace in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward under intense summer heat.

The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that by 9 a.m. on July 8th, a significant portion of observation posts across the nation were already experiencing temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius or higher. Early in the morning, temperatures had already soared in several locations, including Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture, and western Tokyo's Fuchu.

The forecast predicted particularly high daytime temperatures, with Takamatsu expected to reach 36 degrees Celsius, and Tokyo, Osaka, and Hiroshima prefectures anticipating highs of 35 degrees Celsius.

Heatstroke alerts were issued by the JMA and the Environment Ministry on July 8th for numerous locations across the country, spanning from Hokkaido to Kumamoto Prefecture. Both organizations strongly advised the public to take necessary precautions against heatstroke.

A Pacific high-pressure system dominated much of the nation on July 7th, initiating what was anticipated to be a short but severe heat wave. Central Tokyo reached 35.6 degrees Celsius at 11:20 a.m. on July 7th, marking the first time this year that temperatures exceeded 35 degrees Celsius.

The extreme heat was expected to persist until around July 10th, particularly in the Kyushu and Kinki regions. The Pacific high-pressure system was projected to weaken after July 11th, bringing more cloud cover nationwide. Relatively cooler and cloudier conditions were expected to continue through around July 14th, suggesting the rainy season was unlikely to end during this period for several regions.

A JMA official urged the public to continue taking precautions against heatstroke and to be aware of sudden weather changes, such as thunderstorms or heavy rain, especially during the afternoon when atmospheric conditions may become unstable.