Photo/Illutration Pedestrians in Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward endure the extreme heat on Aug. 1, 2024. (Ikuro Aiba)

Weather officials are predicting another blazing summer for the country, with the Japan Meteorological Agency forecasting on Feb. 25 that average June to August temperatures will exceed the 30-year average nationwide. 

Although it expects numbers above the 1991 to 2020 average, the JMA believes it is unlikely that the summer of 2025 will repeat the record-breaking heat seen in the past two years. 

Significantly high temperatures may hit on certain days as early as May, according to the agency; this has raised concerns about heatstroke.

From June onward, the westerly winds over Japan are expected to shift farther north than usual, strengthening both the Tibetan and Pacific high-pressure systems. If this occurs, it will lead to widespread increases in temperature. 

In a broader context, the anticipated heat is attributed to the ongoing effects of global warming and rising sea surface temperatures.

However, forecasts suggest that this summer will not be as insufferably hot as those of 2023 and 2024, given the predicted movements of the westerlies and global sea surface temperatures.

The JMA also released a three-month forecast that projects high temperatures in Hokkaido and the Tohoku region for March, and average or higher temperatures in eastern Japan including the Hokuriku region.

On March 2, areas including Tokyo and Osaka Prefecture are expected to hit highs of 20 degrees.

With significant snowfall remaining in areas on the Sea of Japan side, officials urge caution against avalanches, falling snow from roofs and accidents when shoveling snow.

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