Overview

• Japan’s Isesaki in Gunma Prefecture set a new national high of 41.8°C on Aug. 5 after topping 41.6°C earlier that day, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.
• South Korea recorded its second-hottest July on record with an average temperature of 27.1°C and 22 consecutive tropical nights, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration.
• More than 53,000 people have been hospitalized for heatstroke in Japan this summer, prompting advisories to stay indoors and seek hydration, data from the Fire and Disaster Management Agency shows.
• July rainfall fell to record lows in several rice-growing prefectures after the rainy season ended three weeks early, depleting reservoirs and intensifying drought stress on paddy fields.
• The Japanese government has pledged emergency pest control and drought relief measures to safeguard rice yields threatened by extreme heat and low rainfall.