Japan Faces Month-Long Intense Heatwave With Two-Week Dry Spell, 50% Understaffing, and 25,000 Yen Monthly Cost Rise

Japan is experiencing a prolonged period of intense heat expected to last for about one month, according to national weather forecasts. This sustained high temperature is anticipated to keep power demand elevated across the country as residents increasingly rely on air conditioning, including during nighttime hours, to mitigate heat-related health risks. The weather outlook also indicates a lack of significant rainfall for the next two weeks, which may exacerbate dry conditions. The heatwave has contributed to a decline in outdoor work efficiency, affecting labor productivity, with over 50% of full-time positions reported as understaffed in July, although this figure slightly decreased by 0.2 percentage points compared to the previous year. Additionally, the intense heat is impacting household finances, with inflation related to the heatwave potentially increasing monthly household expenses by approximately 25,000 yen.