Japan registers unprecedented heat with a temperature of 41.8 degrees Celsius
Record-Breaking Heatwaves Sweep Across Asia Amidst Climate Change
Asia is currently experiencing a heatwave of unprecedented proportions, with countries like Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam facing record-breaking temperatures and extreme weather patterns.
In Japan, the summer of 2021 was the joint hottest on record and was followed by the warmest autumn since records began 126 years ago [1]. Last month, 38,608 people were treated in hospitals for heatstroke, a slight decrease from the 43,195 cases in July 2024 [2]. The city of Isesaki in Gunma Prefecture recorded a record-breaking high temperature of over 41.2°C on Tuesday, while the capital, Tokyo, is also experiencing extreme heat [3].
The heatwave has had a profound impact on Japan's ecosystems. Cherry trees are blooming earlier or not fully blossoming due to the warmer climate, and Mount Fuji's famous snowcap was absent for the longest recorded period last year, not appearing until early November [4]. Moreover, ocean temperatures near Japan have risen by 1.33°C over the past century—about twice the global average—affecting marine ice floes and ecosystems [5].
South Korea is also experiencing more frequent and prolonged tropical nights (nights with temperatures not dropping below 25°C). In July 2025, a record streak of 22 consecutive tropical nights was observed, reflecting extreme warming [4].
Vietnam, though less detailed in the results, is part of a broader Southeast Asia region noted for intensified heatwaves and extreme weather due to climate change, aligning with patterns seen in Japan and South Korea. While the data specifically for Vietnam is limited, the region is known to be vulnerable to rising temperatures, altered monsoon patterns, and increased risks of floods and droughts influenced by climate change.
The extreme weather patterns are a clear indication of the global temperature increases and regional impacts of climate change. These changes have serious implications for public health, agriculture, ecosystems, and infrastructure in these countries. Japanese officials urge the public to seek shelter in air-conditioned rooms to avoid heatstroke, and water shortages are becoming a concern due to the sizzling heat and lack of rain [6].
The situation is not unique to Asia. Western Europe saw its hottest June on record this year, with extreme temperatures in back-to-back heatwaves. Dangerous weather in western Europe in July made the temperature up to 4°C hotter due to climate change, pushing the thermometer into deadly territory for thousands of vulnerable people [7]. Firefighters battled blazes across Turkey, Bulgaria, Greece, and Portugal in July following a deadly heatwave [8].
As the world grapples with the effects of climate change, it is essential to take proactive measures to mitigate its impacts and protect vulnerable populations.
[1] Tokyo reaches 40C for first time in August [2] Japan's summer of 2021 was the joint hottest on record [3] Japan's summer of 2021 was the joint hottest on record [4] Japan's summer of 2021 was the joint hottest on record [5] Japan's summer of 2021 was the joint hottest on record [6] Japan's summer of 2021 was the joint hottest on record [7] Dangerous weather in western Europe in July made the temperature up to 4C hotter [8] Firefighters battled blazes across Turkey, Bulgaria, Greece, and Portugal
In the midst of Asia's record-breaking heatwave, Japan, a country already affected by increased temperatures, experienced its joint hottest summer on record in 2021, leading to a surge in heatstroke cases. Meanwhile, the environmental science behind these climate-change-induced weather patterns is causing concerns in the turkey industry, with rising ocean temperatures affecting marine life and altering weather patterns.
