Heat Wave in Japan

Japan is experiencing a heat wave that is affecting millions of people across the country. In this blog post, I will share some facts and tips about this extreme weather phenomenon and how to cope with it.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the average temperature in July 2023 was 2.6 degrees Celsius higher than the normal level, and the highest temperature recorded was 41.1 degrees Celsius in Kumagaya, Saitama Prefecture, on July 23. This is the second-highest temperature ever recorded in Japan, after the 41.9 degrees Celsius in Kumagaya on July 23, 2018.

The heat wave is caused by a high-pressure system that blocks the cool air from the north and traps the hot and humid air over Japan. The high-pressure system also prevents rain clouds from forming, resulting in clear skies and strong sunshine that further increase the temperature.

The heat wave poses serious health risks for people, especially the elderly, children, and those with chronic diseases. According to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, more than 30,000 people were taken to hospitals for heat-related illnesses in July 2023, and at least 100 people died.

To prevent heatstroke and dehydration, it is important to take the following precautions:

- Drink plenty of water and fluids, even if you are not thirsty.

- Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can dehydrate you and impair your body's ability to regulate temperature.

The heat wave is expected to continue until early August, so please stay safe and cool. I hope this blog post was informative and helpful for you. Thank you for reading!