Heatwave grips Japan, record-tying 39.3 C at Kyushu tourist spot
Japan is experiencing an early and intense heatwave, with temperatures in Kyushu reaching a record-tying 39.3 C. The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued warnings as high temperatures spread across western and eastern regions.
Why it matters
Extreme heat events are becoming more frequent and severe, posing significant public health risks and straining infrastructure.
Parts of Japan's southwestern region of Kyushu saw a hot summer day on Saturday, with the mercury hitting a record-tying 39.3 C in Dazaifu, a tourist spot in Fukuoka Prefecture.
Of the country's 914 observation points, 43 recorded temperatures of 35 C or higher, meeting the Japan weather agency's definition of an "extremely hot day."
More than half of the observation points, or 491, recorded 30 C or higher.
READ: Japan logs 1st extremely hot day of 2026, 3rd earliest on record
People in Fukuoka and nearby Kumamoto Prefecture were advised to exercise caution against heatstroke.
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