Japan experienced its hottest June on record, the weather agency said on Tuesday, as climate change prompts sweltering heatwaves across the globe.
“Japan’s monthly average temperature in June was the highest for the month since statistics began in 1898,” the Japan Meteorological Agency said.
With strong high-pressure systems in June staying in the region, the monthly average temperature ended 2.34 degrees Celsius higher than usual, the agency said.
The temperature of coastal waters near Japan also measured 1.2 degrees higher than usual, tying with June 2024 for the highest since data collection began in 1982, it said.
The body also had a further warning that is becoming routine for Japanese residents: “The next month is expected to continue to bring severe heat throughout the country.”
The announcement came as scientists say human-induced climate change is making heatwave events more intense, frequent and widespread.
People rest under artificial mist to cool down on a hot day in Tokyo on June 28. Photo: AFP