Japan is facing a record heatwave, with threats of power shortages as demand for electricity surges, affecting millions of people across the country.
In the nation’s capital, temperatures were consistently above 95 degrees for over a week, an event that has not happened since 1875. The heatwave also affected other Japanese cities such as Isesaki in Gunma Prefecture, which suffered through temperatures exceeding 104 degrees.
These rising temperatures have also been linked to a significant increase in hospitalizations for heat stroke and exhaustion. According to Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management agency, over 4500 people were hospitalized for heat-related symptoms, which is four times the amount from the same time last year. Elderly citizens, who are especially vulnerable, make up a large portion of these patients.
Because of this, officials throughout the country have been issuing daily heat alerts, advising people to mostly stay indoors and encouraging the use of umbrellas for sun protection.
The surging temperatures have also put the power grid under strain, as officials urge people to use air conditioning to keep themselves safe. To combat this problem, authorities are also asking people to conserve energy for other purposes, such as switching off the lights and setting a higher temperature for refrigerators. Japan’s power grid is vulnerable to shortages because of how it depends on liquefied natural gas, after most nuclear plants were shut down in the wake of Fukushima during 2011 and coal plants shut to reduce carbon emissions.
The heat wave is expected to ease soon, according to Japan’s Ministry of Economy, along with the power demand. In the meantime, others are asking people to focus on taking care of themselves.
In the nation’s capital, temperatures were consistently above 95 degrees for over a week, an event that has not happened since 1875. The heatwave also affected other Japanese cities such as Isesaki in Gunma Prefecture, which suffered through temperatures exceeding 104 degrees.
These rising temperatures have also been linked to a significant increase in hospitalizations for heat stroke and exhaustion. According to Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management agency, over 4500 people were hospitalized for heat-related symptoms, which is four times the amount from the same time last year. Elderly citizens, who are especially vulnerable, make up a large portion of these patients.
Because of this, officials throughout the country have been issuing daily heat alerts, advising people to mostly stay indoors and encouraging the use of umbrellas for sun protection.
The surging temperatures have also put the power grid under strain, as officials urge people to use air conditioning to keep themselves safe. To combat this problem, authorities are also asking people to conserve energy for other purposes, such as switching off the lights and setting a higher temperature for refrigerators. Japan’s power grid is vulnerable to shortages because of how it depends on liquefied natural gas, after most nuclear plants were shut down in the wake of Fukushima during 2011 and coal plants shut to reduce carbon emissions.
The heat wave is expected to ease soon, according to Japan’s Ministry of Economy, along with the power demand. In the meantime, others are asking people to focus on taking care of themselves.
