Hokkaido sees summer heat surge with over 30 °C in the west and cooler breezes under 20 °C in the east

On July 23‑24 2026 the Hokkaido region of Japan experienced a marked temperature split. Western areas, including Sapporo, Asahikawa and the Sea of Japan side, were forecast to reach or exceed 30 °C, bringing back true summer heat and prompting heat‑stroke precautions for outdoor activities. Meanwhile the eastern coastal districts such as Nemuro and Kushiro remained under 20 °C, benefitting from cool sea breezes.

At higher elevations in the Daisetsuzan mountain range, alpine plants such as the Chinguruma (white and yellow blossoms) were in full bloom, offering a stark visual contrast to the heat below. Meteorologists warned of strong sunshine, occasional fog on the Sea of Okhotsk side, and brief showers in mountainous zones.

The forecast indicated that the intense heat would ease later in the week, with temperatures dropping to the mid‑20s in central and southern Hokkaido and a return to milder conditions by the weekend.