TOKYO –
Japan was gripped by intense warmth on July 21, with temperatures reaching 40 C or greater at three commentary factors in Gifu and Aichi prefectures for the primary time this 12 months, whereas Tokyo recorded its third consecutive day above 35 C.
Tajimi and Gujo in Gifu Prefecture and Toyota in Aichi Prefecture skilled what the Japan Meteorological Agency now classifies as a “severe heat day,” outlined as a day when the utmost temperature reaches no less than 40 C.
It was the primary time the designation had been used for the reason that company formally launched the time period in April.
Tokyo was additionally coated by a summer season high-pressure system, producing a 3rd straight day of temperatures of 35 C or greater. Nerima reached 37.5 C and central Tokyo recorded 36.4 C, each the best readings of the 12 months, whereas Hachioji reached 37.0 C.
Outside Shimbashi Station shortly after 1 p.m., pedestrians described warmth that appeared to cling to their our bodies.
“I feel like I could get heatstroke. It makes me realize I need to take in enough salt,” one individual mentioned. Another mentioned, “Even out of direct sunlight, the heat feels suffocating.” A 3rd mentioned, “The temperature difference when I stepped off the train and went outside was so extreme that it was painful.”
As Tokyo entered the peak of summer season following the tip of the wet season on July 20, extra native governments started quickly permitting fireworks so residents might take pleasure in one of many season’s conventional points of interest nearer to residence.
Nerima Ward had beforehand prohibited fireworks as a result of many ward-run parks are subsequent to residential neighborhoods and officers had been involved about noise and different disturbances. The ward determined to raise the ban for a restricted interval after related strikes by different municipalities and requests from residents.
Handheld fireworks will likely be permitted at 10 parks within the ward from July 21 by August 29, however solely on Tuesdays and Saturdays between 6 p.m. and eight p.m.
Only fireworks held within the hand could also be used, and individuals should deliver a bucket of water for extinguishing them.
Residents expressed a combination of pleasure and concern concerning the new guidelines.
“It sounds fun, but it is a little scary because the flames can suddenly flare up,” an 8-year-old little one mentioned.
A resident of their 40s mentioned, “As a member of the community, I think it will be enjoyable if everyone follows the rules, so I am pleased.”
A resident of their 60s mentioned, “It is difficult to know whether it is acceptable to use fireworks in front of your house because you also have to consider the neighbors. It would be good to have an officially approved place where people can use them.”
Nerima Ward mentioned it should evaluate utilization this 12 months and conduct a resident survey earlier than deciding whether or not to proceed this system from subsequent 12 months.
Handheld fireworks are at the moment permitted in ward-run parks in 22 of Tokyo’s 23 wards. Meguro, Ota, Itabashi and Nerima wards started permitting them this 12 months.
Shinjuku is the one ward the place fireworks stay prohibited in ward-run parks.
A Shinjuku Ward official mentioned most parks within the ward are small and near residential areas, elevating issues about complaints over noise and odors. However, fireworks could also be permitted for neighborhood affiliation occasions and related actions when sure situations are met.
Source: TOKYO MX NEWS