Analysis: Climate change influenced unusual October heat in Japan

Between October 1 and 6, 2024, over 120 million people in Japan experienced unusual heat that was made at least 3 times more likely by human-caused climate change. At least 74 cities recorded temperatures of 30°C or higher, with conditions 5°C to 8°C above the 1991-2020 average. The analysis uses the Climate Shift Index (CSI), noting that 259 cities reached CSI level 3, while some cities like Kusatsu, Toyota, and Miyazaki reached CSI level 5, indicating an exceptional climate change event. The document also notes broader impacts of extreme heat in Japan, including a record 252 deaths in Tokyo from a summer heat wave, reduced agricultural output for vegetables, dairy, and fish, and delayed peak fall foliage in northern and eastern regions.

• During the first week of October 2024 (October 1-6), more than 120 million people in Japan faced unusual heat that human-caused climate change made at least 3 times more likely.
• At least 74 Japanese cities recorded temperatures of 30°C or higher from October 1-6, 2024, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 8°C above the 1991-2020 average.
• The Climate Shift Index (CSI) showed a very strong climate change influence in 259 cities that reached CSI level 3. Some cities experienced an exceptional event at CSI level 5, including Kusatsu, Toyota, Miyazaki, and Okinawa.
• Extreme heat in Japan has caused significant socio-economic and environmental disruptions, including a record 252 deaths in Tokyo between June and early September, increased food prices due to lower agricultural output of cucumbers, bell peppers, and eggplants, and a predicted delay of over 10 days for fall foliage in Nagano and Sapporo.

APA

Climate Central (2024). Analysis: Climate change influenced unusual October heat in Japan. https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-shift-index-alert/japan-oct-2024

Chicago

Climate Central. Analysis: Climate change influenced unusual October heat in Japan. 2024. https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-shift-index-alert/japan-oct-2024.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Climate Central |title=Analysis: Climate change influenced unusual October heat in Japan |date=9 October 2024 |url=https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-shift-index-alert/japan-oct-2024 |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{climatecentral2024analysis, author = {{Climate Central}}, title = {{Analysis: Climate change influenced unusual October heat in Japan}}, institution = {Climate Central}, year = {2024}, month = oct, url = {https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-shift-index-alert/japan-oct-2024}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }