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4h ago

Japan Shatters 17 Temperature Records While Seoul Records 22 Tropical Nights

Prolonged heat extending into late summer heightens risks to water supplies and agriculture.

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Heatwaves are becoming more intense and frequent worldwide because of human-caused climate change, scientists say, and Japan is no exception
A child plays in the water in Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on July 27, 2025. (Yonhap)

Overview

  • Japan’s Meteorological Agency confirmed 17 new local temperature records on August 4, with daytime highs ranging from 35.7°C to 40.3°C across multiple prefectures.
  • The country logged its hottest June and July since record-keeping began in 1898, including a peak of 41.2°C in western Hyogo on July 30.
  • Seoul endured 22 consecutive tropical nights with overnight temperatures failing to drop below 25°C, reaching a low of 29.3°C on August 1.
  • South Korea posted its second-warmest July on record at an average 27.1°C nationwide, experiencing 14.5 days of heatwaves alongside below-average rainfall.
  • An early end to Japan’s rainy season left several reservoirs nearly empty, compounding concerns about water shortages and potential crop failures.