Japan is currently going through one of its hottest times recorded, with record high temperatures causing surges in heat-related symptoms and sparking concerns about possible power shortages.
On July 2nd, 2022, Tokyo’s temperatures surpassed 95 degrees for the eighth day in a row, and the length of these soaring temperatures has only been witnessed once since 1875. On July 1st in Isesaki, a city in Japan’s Gunma Prefecture, the temperature exceeded 104 degrees and was close to beating a record high that was previously reached only two years ago.
According to Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency, the extreme heat has caused at least 4,500 people to be sent to hospitals to be treated for heat stroke symptoms and heat exhaustion, four times the amount of people that have recently sought medical attention compared to last year.
To reduce the number of heat-related cases, Japanese officials have been sending alerts regarding the high temperatures every day for a week, instructing people to stay inside as much as possible, not to wear face masks if they’re outside, and to use umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun.
Because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Japan is highly likely to experience power blackouts because it depends heavily on liquefied natural gas, which is now more expensive and harder to stock and accumulate. Since Japan has also shut down most of its nuclear power plants, it makes it more difficult to retrieve energy and distribute it to all the residents.
Power companies have issued warnings, saying that the heat wave would strain the grid. Tohoku Electric Power Company, which provides electricity to six northern Japanese prefectures, said it would be “extremely difficult” to maintain the circulation of electricity and told citizens to “Please save as much power as possible.”
Japan’s high temperatures prompt people to cope with the environment until the weather becomes cooler. Despite the current struggle, Japan’s Ministry of Economy told reporters in a statement on July 1st, “The heat is expected to be reduced next week, and the power demand will also be less,” giving hope to residents that they’ll soon be able to return to their daily arrangements.
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/25/world/asia/japan-heat-wave.html
On July 2nd, 2022, Tokyo’s temperatures surpassed 95 degrees for the eighth day in a row, and the length of these soaring temperatures has only been witnessed once since 1875. On July 1st in Isesaki, a city in Japan’s Gunma Prefecture, the temperature exceeded 104 degrees and was close to beating a record high that was previously reached only two years ago.
According to Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency, the extreme heat has caused at least 4,500 people to be sent to hospitals to be treated for heat stroke symptoms and heat exhaustion, four times the amount of people that have recently sought medical attention compared to last year.
To reduce the number of heat-related cases, Japanese officials have been sending alerts regarding the high temperatures every day for a week, instructing people to stay inside as much as possible, not to wear face masks if they’re outside, and to use umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun.
Because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Japan is highly likely to experience power blackouts because it depends heavily on liquefied natural gas, which is now more expensive and harder to stock and accumulate. Since Japan has also shut down most of its nuclear power plants, it makes it more difficult to retrieve energy and distribute it to all the residents.
Power companies have issued warnings, saying that the heat wave would strain the grid. Tohoku Electric Power Company, which provides electricity to six northern Japanese prefectures, said it would be “extremely difficult” to maintain the circulation of electricity and told citizens to “Please save as much power as possible.”
Japan’s high temperatures prompt people to cope with the environment until the weather becomes cooler. Despite the current struggle, Japan’s Ministry of Economy told reporters in a statement on July 1st, “The heat is expected to be reduced next week, and the power demand will also be less,” giving hope to residents that they’ll soon be able to return to their daily arrangements.
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/25/world/asia/japan-heat-wave.html
