Since records began in 1886, Tokyo has now experienced its longest continuous stretch of rainy days. The previous longest streak was 33 days, from June 27 to July 29, 2019, according to JMA official Kazuhiro Hirono.

From the start of September until Monday, central Tokyo recorded 629 mm (24.8 inches) of rain – almost three times the usual September amount. This figure is close to the September record of 670.9 mm set in 1958, the Japan Meteorological Agency reports.

Masayuki Kyoda of the Japan Meteorological Agency explained that the ongoing El Niño, which raises Pacific Ocean temperatures, together with a lingering high‑pressure system over the Pacific, is keeping autumn rain fronts over the city longer than normal.

Although Kyoda said a direct link to climate change cannot be proven for this streak, a JMA report released last year concluded that global warming is affecting Japan’s weather in the long term, including an increase in precipitation.

The extended wet spell raises the risk of flooding and landslides, adding pressure on infrastructure and emergency services already stretched by recent severe weather across the region.