TOKYO: Tokyo experienced a record 10 consecutive days of temperatures 35C or above, the weather office said Wednesday.

This “is the first time since the survey started” in 1875 that such a run has been recorded, the Japan Meteorological Agency told AFP, saying that Wednesday marked the 10th day of the heat streak.

Heatwaves are becoming more intense and frequent worldwide because of human-caused climate change, scientists say, and Japan sweltered through its hottest ever June and July this year.

Japan’s summer last year was the joint hottest on record, equalling 2023, and was followed by the warmest autumn since records began 126 years ago.

Experts warn Japan’s beloved cherry trees are blooming earlier due to the warmer climate — or sometimes not fully blossoming — because autumns and winters are not cold enough to trigger flowering.

The famous snowcap of Mount Fuji was absent for the longest recorded period last year, not appearing until early November, compared with the average of early October.

AFP