Temperatures Soar in Hokkaido; Pacific High-Pressure System Brings Record-Breaking Heat to Several Cities

Temperatures surged in Hokkaido on Thursday. Kitami recorded a new all-time high of 39.0 C at 2:31 p.m. Several other cities also marked new hottest-ever readings, including Tsubetsu with 38.4 C, Bihoro with 38.3 C and Otofuke with 38.2 C. Obihiro and Ashoro both hit 38.2 C, establishing new July temperature records.