Japan Meteorological Agency Classifies Days Over 40°C as 'Extremely Hot Days'
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) announced on April 17, 2026, that days with maximum temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius or higher will officially be classified as 'extremely hot days.' This new forecast terminology aims to encourage public caution amid the increasing frequency of such extreme heat events due to climate change. The decision followed a public survey conducted in February and March, which garnered approximately 480,000 responses. The term 'extremely hot day' secured over 40% of the votes, significantly outperforming other candidates like 'super hot day.' Language and weather experts supported the choice, noting its social familiarity and appropriateness within the Japanese language, while rejecting alternatives deemed too light or temporally mismatched. The JMA emphasized that this classification aligns with existing usage by the Japan Weather Association since 2022. This update reflects broader efforts to adapt weather communication strategies to the realities of global warming, ensuring that severe heat warnings are clearly understood by the population to mitigate health risks associated with rising temperatures.
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Japan Meteorological Agency Classifies Days Over 40°C as 'Extremely Hot Days'
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) announced on April 17, 2026, that days with maximum temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius or higher will officially be classified as 'extremely hot days.' This new forecast terminology aims to encourage public caution amid the increasing frequency of such extreme heat events due to climate change. The decision followed a public survey conducted in February and March, which garnered approximately 480,000 responses. The term 'extremely hot day' secured over 40% of the votes, significantly outperforming other candidates like 'super hot day.' Language and weather experts supported the choice, noting its social familiarity and appropriateness within the Japanese language, while rejecting alternatives deemed too light or temporally mismatched. The JMA emphasized that this classification aligns with existing usage by the Japan Weather Association since 2022. This update reflects broader efforts to adapt weather communication strategies to the realities of global warming, ensuring that severe heat warnings are clearly understood by the population to mitigate health risks associated with rising temperatures.
asahi