Japan's Okinawa region endured its hottest September since records began in 1946, the Japan Meteorological Agency announced Wednesday, capping a summer of unprecedented heat across the archipelago. Temperatures soared 1.7°C above average in the subtropical islands, marking the most extreme September heat observed in nearly eight decades of data collection.
The record-breaking month follows Japan's warmest summer on record, with national temperatures from June to August averaging 1.76°C higher than normal. Scientists attribute the trend to a combination of global climate patterns and long-term warming, raising concerns about impacts on tourism, agriculture, and public health.
While Okinawa's tropical climate makes it a year-round destination, the extended heatwave has prompted local authorities to expand cooling centers and issue hydration advisories. The development holds implications for regional energy markets and disaster preparedness strategies as extreme weather becomes more frequent across Asia.
