Temperatures in Tokyo, which had been suffering under record-breaking heat, suddenly dropped sharply. Analysts say cold air flowed in due to the influence of a high-pressure system over the Sea of Okhotsk.
Heat That Even Claimed Lions Subsides
According to Japan's Fuji News Network (FNN), Tokyo's daytime high on the 5th was expected to fall to 28 degrees. Compared to the recent heat wave that approached 40 degrees, this marks a considerable drop.
From late last month to early this month, Tokyo endured record-breaking intense heat—strong enough to cause the deaths of three lions from Africa—but the pattern shifted as the high-pressure system over the Sea of Okhotsk expanded.
The Japan Meteorological Agency explained that the Okhotsk Sea high pressure sent cold and humid easterly winds into eastern Japan, causing temperatures across the entire Kanto region, including Tokyo, to plunge. Tokyo is expected to maintain highs of around 30 degrees for about the next week, giving the extreme heat a brief respite.
However, the heat has not retreated across all of Japan. Some areas, such as Osaka and Kumamoto, remain in the heat wave zone at around 40 degrees, showing weather in stark contrast to Tokyo.
Both Japan and Korea are also on edge over the path of Typhoon "Dolphin." If the typhoon heads toward China, Korea could remain within the influence of the North Pacific high pressure system, potentially prolonging the heat wave. Conversely, if it moves north toward the Yellow Sea, it could bring rain and ease the sweltering heat.
Korea Still in the Thick of the Heat Wave
Meanwhile, Korea has been unable to escape the record-breaking heat, with a major heat wave alert in effect across all of Seoul. On the 5th, Seoul was projected to reach 38 degrees, while Hanam and Osan in Gyeonggi Province were expected to soar to 39 degrees—the exact opposite of the situation in Tokyo.
The Korea Meteorological Administration said, "The maximum apparent temperature is expected to rise to around 35 degrees in most parts of the country, so it will be sweltering. Please take special care of your health and refer to the weather information to be released."
The agency also provided a three-step code of conduct to follow during a major heat wave alert. First, it urged people to immediately stop all outdoor activities and move to cool places such as heat wave shelters or shaded areas, replenishing fluids and resting.
The Korea Meteorological Administration also asked people to check on family, neighbors, and lives left in cars, and to call elderly people and neighbors immediately, stressing, "If dizziness or headache occurs, report to 119 immediately and move to a cool place."
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