On Monday, Japan witnessed unseasonably high temperatures across multiple regions, as warm air flowed in from the south. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that daytime highs hit record levels for February in many areas, particularly in the northern parts of the country.
In Mombetsu City, located in Hokkaido, temperatures soared to 17.1 degrees Celsius, levels typically seen in late June. This was a staggering 18.8 degrees higher than the average for this time of year and surpassed the previous record of 12.6 degrees set in 1960, according to the JMA.
Akita City in northern Japan experienced temperatures reaching 20.1 degrees Celsius, while Kanazawa City in central Japan saw the mercury climb to 21.8 degrees Celsius. Even central Tokyo recorded a warm 16.5 degrees Celsius.
Residents across the country expressed surprise at the sudden warmth, noting that such temperatures are unusual for February. Many found themselves shedding heavy winter clothing as the day progressed.
The JMA attributed the unexpected rise in temperatures to warm southerly winds bringing warmer air masses over Japan. Meteorologists are monitoring the situation closely, as such temperature anomalies can have various impacts on agriculture, ecosystems, and energy consumption.
Experts suggest that these unusual weather patterns may be linked to broader climate change trends affecting global weather systems. While it’s difficult to attribute a single event to climate change, the increasing frequency of extreme weather events aligns with patterns expected in a warming world.
Authorities have advised the public to stay informed about weather updates and to be prepared for sudden changes, as the warm spell could be followed by colder conditions.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
