Tokyo has officially hit a grim milestone, recording 34 consecutive days of rain. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, this marks the longest stretch of wet weather in the capital since record-keeping began back in 1886, narrowly surpassing the previous record of 33 days set in 2019. Throughout September alone, central Tokyo has been battered by nearly 629 millimeters of rainfall—roughly triple the typical amount for the month—leaving the city dangerously close to its 1958 historical monthly high.

Experts point to a combination of shifting seasonal patterns and broader climate trends as the culprits behind this relentless downpour. Meteorological officials note that the El Niño phenomenon has played a significant role by keeping high-pressure systems and autumn rain fronts anchored over the region longer than usual. While linking any single weather event directly to global warming remains complex, climatologists emphasize that rising temperatures and fossil fuel emissions are fundamentally altering the atmosphere, leading to increased moisture and a higher frequency of heavy precipitation events across Japan and beyond.