Extreme Heat in Japan Breaks Records Again and Again

On July 25, a temperature of 40.2°C was recorded in Mie Prefecture in central Japan. This marked the fifth consecutive day of temperatures exceeding 40°C during this heat wave, setting the longest streak of such high temperatures since 2010. Persistent intense sunlight and high temperatures have triggered photochemical reactions in vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions, causing ground-level ozone concentrations to rise in parts of the Kanto and Kansai regions. Environmental authorities are advising the elderly and children to minimize daytime outdoor activities. The heat is also accelerating the process of eutrophication in inland waters, leading to a slight increase in the risk of red tides in some enclosed bays.