Soaring Temperature in Isesaki, Japan Reaches Unprecedented 41.8 Degrees Celsius, Breaking Previous Records
Record-Breaking Heatwave Grips Japan
A intense heatwave is sweeping across Japan, with temperatures reaching unprecedented levels in various cities, including Isesaki in Gunma Prefecture. This heatwave is not limited to Gunma Prefecture, as it is also being recorded in Saitama Prefecture, such as Hatoyama, where temperatures reached 41.4 degrees Celsius.
On August 5, temperatures of 40.0 degrees or higher were recorded at 14 locations across five prefectures. The city of Maebashi, also in Gunma Prefecture, saw temperatures reach 41.0 degrees Celsius, while Kiryu in the same prefecture recorded 41.2 degrees Celsius.
The cause of this record-breaking heatwave is primarily human-driven climate change. This has made heatwaves more frequent, intense, and extreme across the globe, and Japan is experiencing some of the hottest temperatures on record as a direct consequence.
In 2025, Japan recorded the hottest July ever, with average temperatures 2.89°C above the 1991-2020 norm. Cities such as Isesaki hit unprecedented highs of 41.6°C and 41.8°C, surpassing previous national records around 41.2°C set just days earlier in Hyogo Prefecture.
The Meteorological Agency highlighted unusually low rainfall and an early end to the rainy season, contributing to the heat stress and drought conditions in northern and western Japan. Scientists link these extreme temperatures and shifting weather patterns directly to global warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions.
This summer, the Japanese archipelago is experiencing a double layer of the Pacific anticyclone and the Tibetan high-pressure system. This double layer is contributing to the record-breaking temperatures in Japan this summer, resulting in sunny and extremely hot days in many areas.
The temperature in Isesaki, Gunma Prefecture, reached a record high of 41.8 degrees Celsius on August 5, breaking the previous record high for Japan. This is the highest single-day total of such temperatures since records began.
It is important to note that this is not an isolated incident, as high temperatures are being recorded during this summer in various parts of Japan. The number of locations where temperatures of 40.0 degrees or higher were recorded on August 5 is the highest since records began.
In conclusion, the record-breaking heatwave in Isesaki, Gunma, and other parts of Japan is driven by global warming exacerbating natural weather variability, leading to consecutive years of unprecedented heat, reduced rainfall, and longer periods of intense sun exposure. It is crucial for individuals and governments to address climate change to prevent such extreme weather events from becoming more frequent in the future.
To document the impact of this heatwave, a photographer captured a series of photos showcasing the environmental effects on various landscapes within Japan. This collection of images serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of climate change in the field of environmental-science, especially when it comes to altering weather patterns.
Despite the current heatwave, meteorologists continue to monitor the weather closely, analyzing data to predict future patterns and adapt precautions accordingly in the interest of public safety and overall minimization of environmental harm.
