Japan records highest ever temp. of over 41°C

Japan had its hottest July in recorded history, with temperatures 2.89°C above average, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).

The nationwide average for July surpassed the previous record set in 2024 by 2.16°C. On July 30, Tamba City in Hyogo Prefecture hit a scorching 41.2°C, marking Japan’s highest ever temperature.

Rainfall was also at record lows, especially in the northeastern Tohoku and central Hokuriku regions. Dangerous heat continued into early August. In western Japan, Takahashi City recorded 40.4°C on July 30. Heatstroke alerts were issued for 34 of Japan’s 47 prefectures. Officials urged people to stay cool, hydrate, and avoid long periods outdoors.

This is the third record-breaking July Japan has seen. The average monthly temperature reached new heights in 2023, 2024, and now in 2025.

This July is the warmest since the Japan Meteorological Agency began recording data in 1898. On Friday, the agency predicted more rainy and cloudy days in the first half of August, but more sunny days later in the month.

“Please pay attention to temperature forecasts and heatstroke warning alerts, and take appropriate measures to prevent heatstroke. In areas with less precipitation, please be careful to manage your water,” the agency’s press release warned.

Earlier, the World Meteorological Organization’s State of the “Climate in Asia 2024” report warned that the region is warming nearly twice as fast as the global average, driving more extreme weather and posing serious threats to lives, ecosystems, and economies.

In 2024, Asia experienced its warmest or second warmest year on record, with widespread and prolonged heatwaves.

Record-high sea surface temperatures and marine heatwaves affected vast areas, while sea level rise in the Pacific and Indian Oceans exceeded the global average, increasing risks for low-lying coastal areas.