Tokyo records 35 consecutive days of rain, triple the normal level

Unusual weather has been observed in Tokyo, the capital of Japan, since early September. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, 629 millimeters of rain fell in central Tokyo from early September through Monday. That is approximately three times the normal level.

Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the information was published by the Mainichi Shimbun and Sankei Shimbun newspapers.

According to the Mainichi Shimbun, Tokyo received only 45.8 hours of sunshine during that period. This was the second-lowest figure since records began. The sun was not visible in the capital for 14 days.

Hiromichi Ito, a doctor and director of a clinic in Tokyo, told the Sankei Shimbun that the weather had affected people’s physical and psychological health.

He said prolonged rain, lower atmospheric pressure and high humidity could cause headaches, dizziness and other symptoms.

Although the rain weakened to a drizzle on Wednesday morning, further precipitation is possible. Experts link the conditions to this year’s El Niño event, which has warmed the Pacific Ocean, as well as to the climate crisis, which is intensifying extreme weather.

Masayuki Kyoda, an official with the Japan Meteorological Agency, said autumn rain fronts had remained over the country longer than usual.

Tokyo’s rainy season usually occurs in June. However, torrential rains that continued throughout the summer caused serious flooding in some parts of the region.

Earlier this month, Typhoon Dujuan caused flooding and landslides in neighboring Chiba Prefecture. Eight people died and dozens of houses were destroyed.

Meteorologists said the season’s 26th typhoon was moving northeast and could pass near the Kanto region, where Tokyo is located.

Kyoda said it was difficult to establish a direct link between climate change and the longest rainy period recorded in Tokyo since observations began in 1886. However, the agency’s latest report said global warming was affecting Japan’s weather over the long term, including by increasing precipitation.

Tokyo’s previous longest uninterrupted rainy period was recorded from June 27 to July 29, 2019, lasting 33 days.

According to local media, the prolonged rain damaged crops in agricultural areas around Tokyo. As a result, prices, particularly for leafy vegetables, have increased.

An employee at a supermarket in the capital said the price of lettuce had more than doubled to 450 yen, or approximately 2.17 pounds sterling.