World · East Asia & Pacific · 5 hrs ago
Tokyo and Osaka set records for latest 30 C day
Tokyo and Osaka recorded temperatures above 30 C on Oct.
21, setting records for the latest such heat in the year.
The readings came as warm air pushed temperatures higher along Japan’s Pacific coast.
Japan’s Meteorological Agency calls days reaching 30 C or more “midsummer days.”
Tokyo’s previous latest record was Oct.
19, 2024, while Osaka’s was Oct.
20, 1933.
The Tokyo reading was the latest midsummer day recorded in the capital since observations began in 1875.
The Osaka record was set on Oct.
21, though the city’s observations began in 1883.
Scientists say climate change is making extreme heat more frequent and intense, and Japan recorded its hottest summer on record in 2025.
Tokyo recorded temperatures of 30 C or higher on Oct. 21, its latest-ever such day, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
Osaka also exceeded 30 C, setting its latest date on record for a midsummer day.
The high temperatures were linked to warm air spreading across Japan, especially along the Pacific coast.
Tokyo’s previous latest 30 C day was Oct. 19, 2024.
Osaka’s previous record was Oct. 20, 1933.
- Who
- Tokyo and Osaka recorded temperatures of 30 C or higher.
- What
- Both cities set records for their latest-ever midsummer day, defined as 30 C or higher.
- When
- Oct. 21, 2026.
- Where
- Tokyo and Osaka, Japan.
- Why
- Warm air spread across Japan, raising temperatures, particularly along the Pacific coast.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Osaka’s previous latest midsummer day record was set.
Tokyo’s previous latest midsummer day record was set.
Tokyo and Osaka recorded temperatures of 30 C or higher, breaking their latest-date records.
- Tokyo record date
- Oct. 21, 2026
- Tokyo previous record
- Oct. 19, 2024
- Osaka previous record
- Oct. 20, 1933
- Tokyo observations began
- 1875
- Osaka observations began
- 1883
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midsummer day