Hold onto your hats, folks, because the summer of 2024 was a scorcher! Japan experienced its hottest summer on record, and China wasn’t far behind, setting new high-temperature marks across its vast landscape. The heat was so intense that even the schools in some Chinese cities had to postpone their reopening!
Japan: A Summer of Record-Breaking Temperatures
The mercury in Japan soared to unprecedented levels this summer. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that the average temperature for June, July, and August was 1.76°C higher than the average recorded between 1991 and 2020. That’s a significant jump, and it resulted in the hottest summer since records began in 1898! This heatwave also tied the record set in 2023, showcasing a worrisome trend of increasing temperatures.
The intense heat wasn’t just a fleeting summer phenomenon; it was a sustained period of sizzling temperatures. Japan saw a staggering 8,821 instances of “extreme heat” – a temperature of 35°C or higher – this year, far exceeding the previous record of 6,692 set in 2023. These numbers clearly indicate the severity and duration of the heatwave.
China: A Summer of Unprecedented Heat and Delayed School Starts
The sweltering summer wasn’t limited to Japan; it gripped China as well, with August seeing the hottest temperatures ever recorded. The heat became so intense that it even impacted the start of the new school year. Some cities in Jiangxi, Chongqing, and Sichuan provinces pushed back the school reopening to September 9th, citing the extreme heat as a major safety concern.
Chongqing, known for its hot summers, faced a particularly brutal heatwave, with temperatures reaching a scorching 40°C. The region experienced 12 consecutive days under a red alert, indicating the highest level of heat warning. China’s weather service attributed the heatwave to a Pacific high pressure system that covered western Japan, bringing clear skies and intense sunlight. These factors combined to create a “perfect storm” of unbearable temperatures.
Global Climate Change: A Worrying Trend
The extreme heat experienced in Japan and China serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing global climate change. Scientists warn that the Earth is steadily warming, and we can expect more frequent and intense extreme weather events in the future. These events can have a devastating impact on human health, infrastructure, and the environment.
China, the world’s leading emitter of greenhouse gases, has committed to peaking carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2060. These ambitious goals are crucial to mitigating the effects of climate change. The recent heatwaves serve as a clear warning of the urgent need to address this pressing issue.
While the heatwave may be receding in some parts of China as autumn approaches, the impact of climate change is here to stay. We must all do our part to reduce emissions and work towards a sustainable future. The earth is sending us a clear message: we need to take action now to protect our planet.
