Japan Reports Hottest Summer on Record

August 2024 marked the hottest month on record in parts of China, with eight regions, including Shanghai and Xinjiang, experiencing unprecedented temperatures. Similarly, Japan reported that its summer, from June to August, equaled the record high of the previous year, as average temperatures rose 1.76 degrees Celsius above the 30-year average, affecting all regions. The Japan Meteorological Agency attributed the extreme heat to a powerful Pacific high-pressure system, which also caused significant disruptions, such as the cancellation of summer events. Northern, Eastern, and Western Japan recorded notably high temperatures, with Sano City reaching 41.0°C. The ongoing heatwave has raised public health concerns and highlighted the urgency of climate adaptation efforts. The anticipated continuation of high temperatures into September, alongside the possibility of typhoons, poses additional challenges for both countries.