Japan Sets New Temperature Record Amid Heatwave

Japan recorded its highest-ever temperature of 41.2 degrees Celsius in Tamba City, Hyogo Prefecture, surpassing the prior national record. The heatwave has triggered heatstroke alerts in 33 of the country's 47 prefectures and caused a surge in hospitalizations, with over 10,800 people treated in one week—double the previous week. Other cities, including Fukuchiyama in Kyoto and Nishiwaki in Hyogo, also registered temperatures above 40°C. Authorities are urging residents to use air conditioning, stay hydrated, and take extra care to avoid heatstroke. The extreme heat is straining power grids and putting vulnerable populations at greater risk. Climate change is seen as a contributing factor to these increasingly severe weather events.