Overview
- The Japan Meteorological Agency confirmed a new national record of five straight days with at least one site reaching 40°C, a streak that ran from July 21 to July 25.
- Tokai prefectures produced the highest readings, with examples including Kuwana (Mie) around 40.5–40.8°C and Mino or Tajimi (Gifu) near 40.0–40.2°C during the peak days.
- On July 26 temperatures eased so no site hit 40°C but the heat remained severe with 209 observation points reporting 35°C or higher and widespread warnings about heatstroke.
- A mobility analysis using smartphone GPS data by Dentsu and Unerry shows people start cutting outings when daily highs reach about 31°C, indicating behavioral response well before the 35°C threshold.
- Officials say the pattern was driven by a persistent high pressure over western Japan and they urge continued caution because forecasts call for only a brief easing after July 27 followed by above‑normal temperatures.