SINGAPORE (Bloomberg): Above-normal temperatures are set to build across North Asia next week, bringing sweltering conditions and boosting energy demand for cooling.
Japan, which saw temperatures near or breach 40C (104F) in several regions this week, will get a brief reprieve over the weekend as a cold front approaches.
But widespread unseasonal heat is forecast to take hold again by the middle of next week, with the national weather agency warning of very high temperatures nationwide from Wednesday.
"Cooling demand and heat wave conditions are expected to ease this weekend,” said Francois Geffroy, consultant meteorologist at MetraWeather. But maximum temperatures will be "back up to the 90th percentile by the end of the week and into the first week of August.”
The hot weather threatens to raise power consumption and drain natural gas inventories, which could force Japan to buy more fuel at a time when the crisis in the Persian Gulf has already sent imports to near the highest level in years.
Meanwhile, hot weather is forecast across much of north and northeast China as a high-pressure pattern settles over the region, according to Paul Markert, a meteorologist at Vaisala. Beijing could see 36.9C next Thursday and Friday, more than 5.5C above normal, while Shanghai will see highs in the mid-30C range, data show.
Warmer-than-usual conditions will then expand to South Korea the following week, according to forecasts, with average temperatures in Seoul predicted to be 3C to 3.5C above normal.
Early August may also see a tropical storm nearing Japan, forecasts show. While a cyclone’s associated rainfall and winds can help moderate temperatures, the system can also draw in hot and humid air, sharply raising overnight temperatures and humidity, said James Caron, director of meteorological operations for North America and Asia at Atmospheric G2.
"Even temporary cooler periods may be followed by a rapid rebound in heat and electricity demand,” he said.
--With assistance from Stephen Stapczynski. -- ©2026 Bloomberg L.P.
