• Japan experienced its hottest June on record, with temperatures significantly above average.
• The Japan Meteorological Agency reported a monthly average temperature 2.34°C higher than normal.
• Coastal waters near Japan also showed alarming temperature increases, marking a potential climate crisis.
• Experts highlight the growing unpredictability of weather patterns in Japan due to climate change.
• Concerns are rising over the impact of extreme heat on public health and the environment.

Japan has reported its hottest June on record, as confirmed by the Japan Meteorological Agency, with a monthly average temperature 2.34 degrees Celsius above the norm, the highest since record-keeping began in 1898. The agency noted that this temperatures spike is attributed to persistent high-pressure systems over the region, indicating potential long-term climate changes, according to thejakartapost, channelnewsasia, and scmp.

In addition to air temperatures, coastal waters around Japan also recorded a temperature increase of 1.2 degrees Celsius, tying with June 2024 as the hottest since data began being collected in 1982. The ongoing situation is prompting concerns regarding future severe heat waves across the nation, with advisories indicating that similar conditions are expected to stretch into the following month, according to thejakartapost and channelnewsasia.

Experts warn that human-induced climate change is making heatwave events more frequent and intense. This global trend mirrors extreme heat variances seen in other regions, such as Europe, where severe heat has already impacted various factors including sports events. The global footballers' union FIFPro has even proposed longer halftime breaks during the upcoming World Cup due to the intense heat expected, according to scmp.

Moreover, Japanese meteorologists have pointed out that while it's challenging to correlate specific weather events directly with climate change, consistent trends of increasing temperatures and shifting weather patterns are becoming evident over the years. The impacts of these changes are already noticeable, such as the earlier blooming of cherry trees and the absence of snow on Mount Fuji until November last year, with normal appearances typically in early October, according to thejakartapost, channelnewsasia, and scmp.

In tandem with these rising temperatures, Japan's shifting climate has led to unpredictable seasonal changes; earlier-than-usual endings of the rainy season were noted this year, confirmed as the earliest on record and occurring approximately three weeks ahead of the usual schedule. This shift has been alarming as Japan faces challenges including violent floods from typhoons and increasing risks of wildfires in the northern regions, intensifying the environmental concerns associated with the changing climate, according to thejakartapost, channelnewsasia, and scmp.