Early End to Rainy Season in Japan Amidst Record June Heat

On July 18th, pedestrians were observed crossing an intersection in Tokyo's Ginza district under clear skies.

The Japan Meteorological Agency reported on the same day that the rainy season had likely concluded in several regions of Japan, including Kanto-Koshin, Hokuriku, and southern Tohoku. This marked an earlier end to the rainy season compared to the typical timing.

Specifically, the end of the rainy season arrived one day earlier than average in the Kanto-Koshin region, five days earlier in the Hokuriku region, and six days earlier in the southern Tohoku region. The earlier conclusion was attributed to unusual westerly winds and a strengthened Pacific high-pressure system, which pushed the rainy season front northward.

This shift in the pressure pattern contributed to the early end of the rainy season across much of the country. The northern Tohoku region was the only area where the end of the rainy season had not yet been officially declared.

Furthermore, the JMA indicated that the average nationwide temperature in June was significantly higher than normal, reaching 2.34 degrees above average. This made it the hottest June since temperature records began.

Preliminary data from the Fire and Disaster Management Agency revealed that a substantial number of people were hospitalized for suspected heat stroke in June. The total of 16,943 cases surpassed the previous record set in 2022.