NewKerala.com

Key Points

Japan just experienced its third-hottest September since records began back in 1898. The country's weather agency reported temperatures were nearly 2.5 degrees Celsius above normal across most regions. This extreme heat led to over 100,000 people being hospitalized for heatstroke, marking the first time that threshold has been crossed. Officials are warning that these unusually high temperatures are expected to continue into October, posing ongoing health risks especially for elderly citizens.

Key Points: Japan Records Third-Hottest September Amid Heatstroke Crisis

  • September temperatures were 2.49°C above 30-year average
  • Eastern and western Japan saw 2.7°C higher temperatures than normal
  • Over 100,000 heatstroke hospitalizations recorded for first time
  • Elderly accounted for more than half of all heatstroke cases
2 min read

Japan logs third-hottest September on record

Japan's September temperatures hit third-highest since 1898 as heatstroke hospitalizations exceed 100,000 for first time, with elderly most affected.

"Higher-than-usual temperatures are expected to continue through the following month - Japan Meteorological Agency"

Tokyo, Oct 1

Japan's average temperature in September marked the third highest since records began in 1898, the country's weather agency said Wednesday.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the temperature in September was 2.49 degrees Celsius higher than the mean temperature for 30 years from 1991 to 2020.

The hottest September was logged in 2023 when the temperature surpassed the standard value by 2.66 degrees Celsius, followed by 2024 when it was 2.52 degrees Celsius higher.

By region, eastern and western Japan both saw temperatures higher than average by 2.7 degrees, and northern Japan by 2.2 degrees.

Weather officials warned that higher-than-usual temperatures are expected to continue through the following month.

Japan experienced its hottest summer on record in 2025, with the nationwide average temperature 2.36 degrees Celsius higher than the long-term norm, the JMA said last month. The figure far surpassed the previous record highs set in 2022 and 2023, which were 1.76 degrees Celsius above average.

A total of 100,143 people in Japan have been taken to hospital due to heatstroke this season, exceeding 100,000 for the first time, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency.

The figure from May through September 28 marks the highest number since 2015 when the survey period was expanded to include May, surpassing the record 97,578 logged last year, preliminary data released by the agency showed Tuesday.

Of the total transported, 116 of the patients died this year and 36,448 others developed symptoms that required hospitalisation.

Elderly people aged 65 or older accounted for 57,235, or more than half of the total. By prefecture, Tokyo had the most cases with 9,309, followed by Osaka with 7,175, and Aichi with 6,630.

Heatstroke in Japan is caused by environmental factors, especially high temperatures and humidity, exacerbated by population aging and urban heat island effects in cities. Physiological factors like age, chronic illnesses, and dehydration increase vulnerability, particularly among the elderly, who have a reduced ability to regulate their body temperature.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The elderly being most affected is heartbreaking. In our Indian cities too, senior citizens suffer the most during heatwaves. We need better public cooling centers and awareness campaigns.
A
Arjun K
While this is concerning, I wonder if the data collection methods have improved over the years? Sometimes increased reporting can make things appear worse than before. Still, climate action is needed.
S
Sarah B
Tokyo having the most cases makes sense - urban heat island effect is real. Same thing happens in Delhi and Mumbai. We need more green spaces and better urban planning in our growing cities.
V
Vikram M
The temperature being 2.49°C above average is massive! This shows global warming is accelerating. Developed countries need to lead in reducing emissions, but developing nations like India also need sustainable growth paths.
M
Michael C
As someone who lived in Japan, their summers are becoming unbearable. The humidity combined with high temperatures is deadly. We need global cooperation on climate solutions, not just national approaches.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50