Japan and South Korea suffer their hottest summers on record in 2025, as climate change drives rising temperatures and worsening droughts

Japan and South Korea experienced their hottest summers on record in 2025, as global climate change continues to trigger unprecedented heatwaves and droughts across the region.

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According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, Japan’s average summer temperature from June to August soared 2.36°C above normal, marking the hottest season since records began in 1898.

This heatwave marks the third consecutive year Japan has faced record-breaking summer temperatures.

In South Korea, the Korea Meteorological Administration reported an average temperature of 25.7°C during the same period, the highest since data recording started in 1973, narrowly surpassing last year’s record of 25.6°C.

The extreme heat took a toll on public health in Japan, where the Fire and Disaster Management Agency recorded 84,521 heat-related hospitalizations between May 1 and August 24, a slight increase from last year’s figures.

Locals like 80-year-old Tokyo runner Masao Nakano describe the summers as “crazy” and “all man-made,” blaming the rise in air conditioning and power generation for worsening the heat.

Experts note that climate change is altering natural cycles, with Japan’s iconic cherry blossoms blooming earlier or failing to bloom fully due to insufficient chilling periods in autumn and winter.

Meanwhile, Mount Fuji’s snowcap disappeared for an unprecedented length of time last year.

South Korea’s eastern city of Gangneung faces a severe drought, leading authorities to declare a state of national disaster.

The Obong reservoir, vital to the city’s water supply, has dropped below 15% capacity, prompting strict water rationing, including shutting off three-quarters of household meters.

Scientists attribute the intensifying and more frequent heatwaves worldwide to human-driven climate change.

Data from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration highlight that Asia and Europe are among the fastest-warming regions since 1990.

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The United Nations recently warned that rising global temperatures threaten worker health and productivity, with performance dropping 2 to 3% for every degree Celsius above 20°C.