International

Japan experiences hottest July on record, more than 3,600 people in Tokyo taken to hospital

Japan sees record-shattering heat in July

Japan officially experienced the hottest July in the country’s history since records started over a century ago.

The average temperature in the country was 2.16°C higher than average, beating last July’s record of 1.91°C above average.

At the beginning of July 2024, the Shizuoka region west of Tokyo was the first to record a temperature of 40°C.

A Lieutenant from the Tokyo Fire Department told The Mainichi that the temperature is rising earlier than last year in terms of heat index.

Source: Google Maps

Heat index is an indicator used in Japan to assess the risk of heat stroke.

When the value rises to 28 and above, all strenuous exercises should be stopped. At 31 and above, all exercises should cease regardless of intensity.

When the value rises to 33 and above, heatstroke warnings are given.

In 2023, the index first reached 33 on 10 July. There were five recorded days where the heat index reached this value.

Meanwhile, the heat index surpassed 33 on 24 June this year, with nine such days by 21 July.

More than 3,600 people taken to hospital in Japan’s hottest July

Between 1 to 28 July, 3,647 people in Tokyo were taken to the hospital due to heatstroke.

 

More than 100 people were taken to the hospital every day for 11 consecutive days since 18 July.

Across the country, 12,666 people required emergency transport due to heatstroke in the final week of July alone.

Authorities urge precautionary measures

The Tokyo Fire Department has urged citizens to take precautionary measures against the heat to avoid heatstroke.

This includes drinking water frequently and maintaining salt intake, as well as using an umbrella to avoid direct sunlight.

A spokesperson stressed that heatstroke can also occur indoors.

This can happen when people collapse from heat exhaustion at night due to exertion during the day.

Also read: Deer spotted swimming leisurely in sea off Taiwan amid sweltering heat, amuses Internet

Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.

Featured image adapted from Reuters.

Yu An

Recent Posts

I rewatch the ‘Harry Potter’ films every year & this is what I thought of ‘Visions of Magic’ at Sentosa

Hint: Even James and Oliver Phelps -- who actually starred in the movies -- were…

22 Nov 2024, 10:54 am

Mixue S’pore’s S$1 cone will cost S$1.50 from 25 Nov due to rising cost of raw materials

Mixue will be giving out 1,000 vouchers at each store.

22 Nov 2024, 1:28 am

Man spills Chagee drink inside car while trying to peel perforated section for lucky draw

The bubble tea store covered the car wash fee and gave him a new drink.

21 Nov 2024, 6:23 pm

Man in Korea kills woman who requested breakup after dating for 19 days, gets life imprisonment

The man reportedly stabbed her in the face, neck, and abdomen 58 times.

21 Nov 2024, 6:19 pm

‘0000’ number combination wins 2nd prize in 20 Nov 4D draw

Some netizens felt "nobody" would buy such an unusual combination.

21 Nov 2024, 5:32 pm

‘Tyre slasher’ allegedly deflates tyres in Woodlands carparks, arrested for being public nuisance

The act was seemingly carried out in the name of a climate activist group.

21 Nov 2024, 5:18 pm