Japan is currently in an emergency situation as an unusually early heatwave grips the entire archipelago, leading to a surge in heatstroke cases. Special caution is especially advised for travelers planning to visit Japan ahead of the peak summer season.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), it's highly unusual for heatstroke alerts to be issued across most of the country in mid-June. On the 23rd alone, 77 people in Tokyo were urgently transported to hospitals due to heatstroke symptoms. The temperature in central Tokyo reached 33.1∘C, marking the eighth consecutive day the morning temperature at 9 AM exceeded 30∘C, breaking the longest June record since 1979.
This heatwave isn't just a problem for Tokyo. Hatoyama-cho in Saitama Prefecture recorded 37.3∘C, the highest temperature in Japan, and numerous other regions, including Kofu City in Yamanashi Prefecture (38.2∘C), Gunma Prefecture (37.7∘C), and Shizuoka Prefecture (37.6∘C), saw temperatures more than 10∘C higher than average. Major tourist cities like Osaka (34.2∘C), Fukuoka (30.3∘C), and Sendai (33.9∘C) are also suffering from the scorching heat. The JMA announced that temperatures at 547 observation points nationwide surpassed 30∘C.
The main causes of this abnormal high-temperature phenomenon are global warming and the earlier-than-usual expansion of the Pacific High. Analysis suggests that the Pacific High, which typically affects Japan in July and August, spread early this year from June, leading to record-breaking heat. Professor Yukiko Imada of the University of Tokyo's Center for Climate System Research explained, "This is the first time since observations began that over 150 regions have exceeded 35∘C in mid-June," adding that the disappearance of the rain front despite being in the rainy season is also unusual.
Unfortunately, there have been a series of casualties. An 84-year-old woman collapsed while working in a field in Iwate Prefecture, and a 95-year-old man died from heatstroke after collapsing in a greenhouse in Chiba Prefecture. In Fukushima Prefecture, 10 students were transported to the hospital with heatstroke symptoms during a high school swimming competition. It's reported that at least four elderly individuals have died from heatstroke across Japan.
The Japanese government and local authorities are busy preparing preventative measures to reduce heatstroke damage. The JMA advises the public to drink plenty of fluids, seek shade, and avoid strenuous exercise during outdoor activities. They also emphasize consuming sports drinks or salt candies in addition to water to replenish body fluids and salts, and recommend wearing light, breathable, and sweat-absorbent clothing. It's important to rest in air-conditioned buildings and frequently check the health status of vulnerable groups, especially the elderly and children. Some local governments are reportedly considering policies such as reducing water utility fees to ease the burden of air conditioner use for citizens.
The unusual June heatwave has sounded an alarm for those planning trips to Japan. Experts predict that this year's temperatures are likely to be higher than average, and Japanese authorities expect the heatwave to continue through the weekend. Therefore, tourists visiting Japan should always check local weather conditions before traveling and strictly adhere to heatstroke prevention guidelines to ensure a safe and healthy trip.
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