Japan Experiences Midsummer-like Heat in May; Over 90 Locations Surpass 30°C, Heatstroke Warning Issued

(Central News Agency, Reporter Tai Ya-chen, Tokyo, 18th) Unusually high temperatures continued across Japan today, with over 90 observation points exceeding 30 degrees Celsius by morning, and Osaka welcoming its first "manatsubi" (midsummer day) of the year. Meteorological agencies predict that the high in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, and Hita City, Oita Prefecture, could reach 35 degrees today. If it does, it would be Japan's first "moshobi" (intensely hot day) of the year. The Japan Meteorological Agency currently classifies high temperatures as "natsu-bi" (summer day) for 25°C and above, "manatsubi" (midsummer day) for 30°C and above, and "moshobi" (intensely hot day) for 35°C and above. Just last month, in response to the significant increase in temperatures of 40°C and above in recent years, days with temperatures of 40°C or higher were officially named "kokushobi" (scorching hot day). Now, summer-like heat has arrived in May. According to the Japanese weather information website tenki.jp, strong sunlight from the Tohoku to Kyushu regions caused temperatures to rise rapidly this morning. As of 11:30 a.m., Kurayoshi City in Tottori Prefecture reached 33.3°C, and Hita City in Oita Prefecture reached 32.6°C, with over 90 locations nationwide experiencing temperatures above 30°C. Osaka City reached a high of 30.2°C at 11:30 a.m., marking its first midsummer day of the year. Central Tokyo, which just had its first midsummer day of the year yesterday, had already reached 27.6°C by 11:30 a.m. today, rising at a similar pace to the previous day. Weather authorities indicate that temperatures will rise further in many areas this afternoon, with Toyooka City in Hyogo Prefecture and Hita City in Oita Prefecture expected to reach 35°C, potentially marking the first intensely hot day in Japan this year. Furthermore, yesterday, about 200 observation points in Japan had temperatures exceeding 30°C, setting a record for the most midsummer day locations this year. Today, this number is expected to increase to over 250, as the area of extreme heat continues to expand. As the human body is not yet fully accustomed to high temperatures, the sudden rise in temperature increases the risk of heatstroke. People traveling to the Tokyo to Kyushu and Okinawa regions need to be particularly vigilant and should not be complacent just because "it's only May." It is recommended to use hats, umbrellas, or handheld fans to cool down when outdoors. In addition to high temperatures, environmental factors such as high humidity, weak winds, and strong sunlight can also easily trigger heatstroke. The elderly, young children, people with chronic illnesses, and those in poor physical condition, such as from lack of sleep, are at higher risk of heatstroke. People should stay hydrated, take regular breaks, and avoid prolonged outdoor activities and strenuous exercise. (Editor: Chang Chih-hsuan) 1150518