Many parts of the Kanto region, including Tokyo, and central Japan, had another day of summer-like weather on Thursday with temperatures topping 25 degrees Celsius or higher.
A daytime high of 29.1 degrees Celsius was recorded in Iida City, Nagano Prefecture, 29 degrees in Sano City, Tochigi Prefecture, 28.7 degrees in Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture, and 26 degrees in central Tokyo.
Temperatures in central Tokyo hit 25 degrees or higher for six consecutive days, tying the record for hot weather for the second half of October set in 1951.
Central Tokyo has had 12 days this month of 25 degrees or higher temperatures. This is a record for October since the Meteorological Agency began collecting data in 1875.
The prolonged hot weather has apparently delayed the start of the autumn foliage season in an area around Lake Chuzenji and Iroha Slope in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture. The area is one of Japan’s most renowned spots for autumn foliage and a popular tourist destination.
A local tourist information center says leaves of the area’s maple and other trees began to turn red and yellow more than one week later than usual due to higher temperatures in September.
In the area surrounding Ryuzu Waterfall, the autumn foliage season usually reaches the peak in early October. But this year, leaves finally began to turn autumn colors several days ago.
Many trees around Lake Chuzenji still have green leaves.