Summer 2024 predicted to be the hottest Japan has ever seen

[thomas]

In July, Yamanashi Prefecture experienced a scorching high of 38°C. Meanwhile, in August, Itoigawa, Niigata Prefecture, saw a daily low of 31.4°C. In November, Tokyo had a relatively cooler day with a temperature of 27°C. 2023 was characterized by unprecedented heat across Japan, with all-time temperature records shattered almost weekly during the summer and autumn. The relentless heatwave affected much of the world as well. For 2024, there are concerns that the situation may worsen.

Record February temperatures — including highs of 18 and 20 C this past week across much of Japan, including northern areas — are a foreboding development in a year that experts say is likely to be the hottest in Japan's history. [...] "Our prediction systems tell us that El Nino will lessen starting this spring and disappear by the end of summer," says Takeshi Doi, a senior climate researcher at Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC). "But the remaining energy of El Nino still needs to dissipate — all the heat that has built up (throughout El Nino) is still there." [...] These weather events played out from spring to winter over the last year, providing essential warnings of what it might be like during potentially record-shattering heat in 2024.

Preparing for the hottest year Japan has ever seen

In 2023, summer heat persisted across Japan well into the fall. Predictions by scientists indicate 2024 could be even worse.

www.japantimes.co.jp

 

[johnnyG]

 

[thomas]

Today, 4 July, Japan saw maximum temperatures of 39.3°C in Shizuoka.

Temperatures rose to dangerously high levels in many parts of Japan on Thursday, with the mercury in the city of Shizuoka hitting a record 39.3 degrees Celsius and authorities issuing heatstroke alerts for 16 regions across the country. The mercury topped the 35-degree mark in cities ranging from Shingu, Wakayama Prefecture, to Kofu, Yamanashi Prefecture, and Shimanto, Kochi Prefecture. The temperature in Tokyo also hit 35°C just after noon — the first time so far this year. The Meteorological Agency classifies days topping 35°C as "extremely hot days." In Shizuoka, western wind going over the mountains caused what's known as the foehn effect, in which wet and cold air climbing up the mountains turns into dry, warm air as it descends, according to Weathernews, a private weather forecaster.

Mercury hits 39.3 degrees Celsius in Shizuoka

Many cities experienced 35 degree weather, resulting in heatstroke alerts being issued for several regions across Japan.

www.japantimes.co.jp

Working from home, temperatures in our living room reached 31°C around noon. I was wondering if @Lothor has finally given in to A/C.

 

[mdchachi]

Working from home, temperatures in our living room reached 31°C around noon.

That's without A/C?

 

[thomas]

That's without A/C?

Yes, we try to hold out with fans for as long as possible. However, room temperatures above 30°C are pretty harsh on our dogs.

 

[mdchachi]

Yes, we try to hold out with fans for as long as possible. However, room temperatures above 30°C are pretty harsh on our dogs.

So no A/C and no fans?? That's hardcore!

 

[johnnyG]

So no A/C and no fans?? That's hardcore!

I think he's saying "only fans"...

 

[thomas]

I think he's saying "only fans"...

Here's a teacher. Sorry for expressing myself imprecisely, must be the heat.

 

[Maciamo]

As we are now used to say each year, this is hottest summer ever recorded but the coldest summer of the rest of your life...

 

[mdchachi]

Here's a teacher. Sorry for expressing myself imprecisely, must be the heat.

No I just didn't read it properly. It makes sense.

 

[Lothor]

Today, 4 July, Japan saw maximum temperatures of 39.3°C in Shizuoka.

Mercury hits 39.3 degrees Celsius in Shizuoka

Many cities experienced 35 degree weather, resulting in heatstroke alerts being issued for several regions across Japan.

www.japantimes.co.jp

Working from home, temperatures in our living room reached 31°C around noon. I was wondering if @Lothor has finally given in to A/C.

Yes, using aircon now, but not at nights.

 

[nice gaijin]

I just finally got my house AC working after 20 years of just fans and swamp coolers.its an incredible luxury to be able to set your desired environment, and it immediately spoiled us.

but today I drove 7 hours up to Oregon and it was over 100F (38C) the entire drive, and actually hit 119F (48C) near Mount Shasta. My AC decided to crap out on me after the first two hours, so I got to sweat through it old school style. Fun times!

 

[johnnyG]

...
but today I drove 7 hours up to Oregon and it was over 100F (38C) the entire drive, and actually hit 119F (48C) near Mount Shasta. My AC decided to crap out on me after the first two hours, so I got to sweat through it old school style. Fun times!

I'd just heard the west coast was having a heat wave.