Extreme Heat Across Japan, China, South Korea, and North Korea: Warning of Record-Breaking Temperatures and Severe Weather Events in the Coming Months
By Jucelino Luz – Journalist and Spiritual Advisor
Águas de Lindóia, São Paulo, Brazil
April 13, 2026
Climate change has continued to intensify at an unprecedented pace, with its impacts becoming increasingly evident across many regions of the world. Over the past several years, through articles, interviews, magazine publications, and television programs, Jucelino Luz has repeatedly warned about the worsening climatic conditions affecting Asian countries, particularly Japan, China, South Korea, and North Korea.
On April 13, 2026, a new Early Meteorological Warning for High Temperatures was issued, highlighting the possibility of an extreme heat episode of a magnitude that historically occurred only once every decade. According to the warning, however, such events are expected to become increasingly frequent as a consequence of ongoing global climate change.
In addition to exceptionally high temperatures, the period between August and October 2026 may also be marked by severe storms, flooding, destructive winds, and other extreme weather phenomena capable of causing significant damage to communities, agriculture, infrastructure, and the environment.
Japan Under Warning for Exceptional Heat
The meteorological warning covers a vast area of Japan, extending from Hokkaido to Kyushu.
Between July 27 and August 15, 2026, temperatures are expected to remain well above the long-term seasonal average, creating an exceptionally intense heatwave.
Beginning on July 26, the regions of Tokai, Kinki, Chugoku, Shikoku, and Kyushu are expected to experience the highest temperatures. The intense heat may also contribute to the development of severe thunderstorms, flooding, destructive windstorms, and other high-impact weather events.
In Hokkaido, Kanto-Koshin, and Hokuriku, the effects of this weather pattern are expected to begin around July 28. The Tohoku region is considered less likely to experience significant direct impacts during this period.
China Faces a Concerning Climate Situation
China also remains under heightened concern following a succession of extreme weather events observed throughout 2026.
The country is experiencing one of its most critical climatic periods in recent years, with torrential rainfall, flooding, tornadoes, and landslides affecting primarily the central and southern regions.
In May, some locations recorded more than 1,000 millimeters (39 inches) of rainfall within just 24 hours, resulting in dozens of fatalities, thousands of displaced residents, and extensive damage to agriculture, infrastructure, and essential public services.
The impact of Typhoon Maysak further intensified the situation, producing wind gusts exceeding 250 km/h (155 mph) and causing widespread destruction across several cities, including areas within Hubei Province.
Outlook for August Through October 2026
The climate bulletin issued on April 13, 2026, indicates that August is expected to bring above-average temperatures across much of Japan, extending from eastern Japan to Okinawa and the Amami Islands.
A significantly higher number of extreme heat days is anticipated, increasing risks to public health, water resources, agriculture, and energy supply systems.
In addition to global warming, oceanic and atmospheric conditions associated with the abnormal warming of the equatorial Pacific Ocean may contribute to the persistence of extremely hot air masses over the Japanese archipelago.
During September, changes in atmospheric circulation may partially reduce the influence of these hot air masses in certain regions. Nevertheless, the likelihood of stronger and potentially more destructive typhoons is expected to remain elevated.
Northern and western Japan may experience temperatures closer to historical averages, while Okinawa and the Amami Islands are likely to remain slightly above normal.
By October, despite the gradual transition toward autumn, temperatures are still expected to remain near or above seasonal averages, accompanied by precipitation levels exceeding normal climatological patterns.
A Warning That Calls for Responsibility
The extreme weather events observed in recent years demonstrate that the global climate is undergoing profound transformation. More intense heatwaves, severe storms, floods, and prolonged droughts are no longer isolated occurrences but have become an increasingly significant challenge for governments, communities, and scientific experts worldwide.
Regardless of differing interpretations regarding the causes of these phenomena, it is essential to strengthen environmental protection efforts, reduce pressures on natural ecosystems, and expand adaptation and disaster preparedness measures.
"We must urgently embrace a genuine commitment to protecting our planet. Every year lost increases the risks faced by future generations. The time to act is now, before the consequences become even more severe and irreversible."
— Jucelino Luz
