Big heat continues as mercury reaches 38 degrees in Kumagaya

National Aug. 22, 2012 - 12:50PM JST ( 19 )

TOKYO —

Japan continued to swelter on Wednesday as temperatures topped 33 degrees at 80% of the Japan Meteorological Agency’s observation posts across the nation. Only Kushiro in Hokkaido had temperatures below 30 degrees.

At 11 a.m., the agency said the temperature was 38 degrees in Kumagaya, Saitama Prefecture, 36 degrees in Kyoto, Fukushima and Tottori, 35.7 degrees in Ishikawa and 33.5 in Tokyo.

Meanwhile, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency said that more than 33,000 people have been taken to hospital to be treated for heatstroke since July 1. Last week, the figure was 4,138.

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19 Comments

1

tajAug. 22, 2012 - 01:31PM JST

Someone mentioned that France was also braced for a severe heatwave, to rival the one that killed tens of thousands a decade or so ago. Hopefully, they are much better prepared this time. (Off now to international news sources)...
0

NessieAug. 22, 2012 - 01:44PM JST

Only Kushiro in Hokkaido had temperatures below 30 degrees.

Probably the advection fog there. 32 in Sapporo yesterday.
2

WakarimasenAug. 22, 2012 - 01:49PM JST

It is indeed a scorcher today.
2

the-grouchAug. 22, 2012 - 02:38PM JST

It's hot all over and the humidity just makes things worse.
5

CrazyJoeAug. 22, 2012 - 02:42PM JST

Since the average body temperature is between 36.5 and 37.0 degrees Celsius, 38.0 degrees Celsius in Kumagaya is hot. I bet you can even cook some eggs using your car's hood depending upon the color of your car.
0

Alex EinzAug. 22, 2012 - 03:41PM JST

eugh...thats gonna be one HOT run training today
1

It"S MEAug. 22, 2012 - 03:50PM JST

Reason why I shifted my outdoor training to either late evening or early morning like 04:30am.

If I need to head out during the day I use the Bicycle - no walking.
0

Harry_GattoAug. 22, 2012 - 04:34PM JST

Only Kushiro in Hokkaido had temperatures below 30 degrees. Probably the advection fog there. 32 in Sapporo yesterday.

Kushiro is almost always the coolest place in Japan according to the TV weather forecasts. Seems like it would be a good place to live for half of the year.
4

rickyveeAug. 22, 2012 - 05:02PM JST

high temps=short skirts! that's the only positive I can find about this heat.
2

tairitsuikenAug. 22, 2012 - 05:21PM JST

Yeah, everyday is hot (and humid). As long as the fridge is stocked with enough beer, I see no reason to complain. After a day of work, come home, take a shower, sit on the balcony with some edamame and some beers. Ah, Japanese summer daisuki!
0

RedMangoAug. 22, 2012 - 05:46PM JST

Only Kushiro in Hokkaido had temperatures below 30 degrees.

here in Okinawa it's now about 28 earlier it was 26
0

basroilAug. 22, 2012 - 06:05PM JST

Harry_GattoAug. 22, 2012 - 04:34PM JST

Kushiro is almost always the coolest place in Japan according to the TV weather forecasts. Seems like it would be a good place to live for half of the year.

They filmed the Antarctica drama during the second half of the year... There's no transport, no entertainment, and no beach weather there, so go to Sapporo/Otaru instead, still much better than mainland.
0

edojinAug. 22, 2012 - 06:23PM JST

My body feels great in this hot, humid weather. Aches & pains sometime set in when the cold stuff rolls around. So am enjoying the heat. Walked around Odaiba today and had a ball ... As I'm from the Maryland area, I'm used to this kind of summer weather ...
1

FightingVikingAug. 22, 2012 - 07:15PM JST

take a shower, sit on the balcony with some edamame and some beers.

...and some anti-mosquito spray ? (Or "katori-senko" ?) I'll come and join you !
0

Harry_GattoAug. 22, 2012 - 11:46PM JST

They filmed the Antarctica drama during the second half of the year... There's no transport, no entertainment, and no beach weather there, so go to Sapporo/Otaru instead, still much better than mainland.

Thanks, I might just do that next year.
0

IowanAug. 23, 2012 - 01:33AM JST

Worse, it doesn't cool down at night. Cement, asphalt, and tile radiate the trapped heat. This week's Iowa forecast: highs 19-22 C.
0

SerranoAug. 23, 2012 - 07:04AM JST

And still no bare midriffs.
0

kurumazakaAug. 23, 2012 - 09:16AM JST

Started doing hot yoga back in spring and as a result am having an easy time with the heat. Only use AC at night to sleep. My dog isn't doing as well, though. He is pulling the leash to go home after 5-10 minutes, when we normally go over an hour.
0

LostinNagoyaAug. 23, 2012 - 10:44AM JST

Japan is one the worst places in the world to endure summer.