By Sandra Kenneth
The Japanese capital has recorded 34 consecutive days of rainfall, marking its longest uninterrupted stretch of wet weather since record-keeping began in 1886, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
The continuous downpours have surpassed the previous record of 33 straight days, set between June 27 and July 29, 2019. Local reports from the Mainichi Shimbun indicate that central Tokyo received 629 millimeters (24.8 inches) of rain this month through Monday—nearly triple the seasonal average and nearing the all-time September record of 670.9 millimeters established in 1958.
Meteorologists attribute the unusual weather pattern to a combination of atmospheric factors. Masayuki Kyoda, an official at the JMA, stated that higher Pacific Ocean temperatures linked to the El Niño phenomenon have altered wind and cloud patterns.
“Autumn rain fronts are staying longer than usual because a high-pressure system in the Pacific is also remaining longer than normal,” Kyoda said.
While Tokyo’s typical rainy season occurs in June, the region has experienced persistent heavy downpours throughout the summer, resulting in localized flooding across the metro area.
JMA officials noted that while single weather events cannot be attributed entirely to climate change, past findings by the agency highlight that global warming is driving long-term increases in precipitation across Japan.
