‘Cruelly hot’: Japan devises new term for heatwave days

Japan's meteorological agency coins a new term, 'mōsho-bi', to describe days of extreme, dangerous heat as the nation grapples with record-breaking temperatures. | Contesto: cronaca

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• ‘Cruelly hot’: Japan devises new term for heatwave days

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Japan's meteorological agency has officially defined a new category of extreme weather, introducing the term 'mōsho-bi'—or 'cruelly hot day'—for when temperatures soar to 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher. The announcement comes as the nation confronts a stark new reality of increasingly severe and frequent heatwaves, following a summer in 2023 that was the hottest recorded since nationwide data collection began in 1989. The formalization of 'mōsho-bi' represents a significant escalation in official weather warnings. Previously, the agency's highest heat advisory was for a 'manatsu-bi,' or 'midsummer day,' defined as 30 degrees Celsius or above. The new term, which translates literally to 'cruel heat day,' is intended to trigger a higher level of public awareness and urgency, signaling conditions that are not merely uncomfortable but actively dangerous to human health. Officials hope the stark language will compel citizens to take more aggressive protective measures. This linguistic shift is a direct response to a tangible and accelerating climatic trend. Last year's unprecedented summer saw temperatures consistently shatter norms, placing immense strain on the population, particularly the elderly and those working outdoors. The move mirrors a global pattern where meteorological institutions are being forced to update their lexicons and warning systems to keep pace with the intensifying extremes driven by climate change. It acknowledges that what was once considered an anomaly is becoming a recurring feature of the seasonal calendar. The implications of these 'cruelly hot' days extend far beyond personal discomfort. They pose severe public health risks, including heatstroke and dehydration, and increase mortality rates during prolonged periods. The economic impact is also substantial, affecting agriculture through drought and crop damage, spiking energy demand for cooling, and reducing labor productivity. For a nation like Japan, with dense urban centers and an aging demographic, the systemic vulnerability to such heat is particularly acute. While the new terminology is a crucial step in risk communication, it underscores a broader,...

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Categoria: cronaca