Horse racing's struggle with extreme heat in Japan
Friday, 06 September, 2024 20:32
Niigata Racecourse (Photo: Yuki Shimono)
This summer, Japan experienced severe heat nationwide, with the Japan Meteorological Agency announcing on August 2nd that it was the hottest summer since records began in 1898. During a press conference, the term "extreme weather" was used to describe the conditions. In response to the intense heat, the Japan Racing Association (JRA) implemented new heat countermeasures at the second Niigata meet, including suspending races for about 3.5 hours during the day and shortening paddock parades. But just how hot was it at the racetracks during July and August?
The weather radar near each racetrack provided data on the average high temperatures and the highest recorded temperatures during the racing period. Although the radar locations and racetracks can be several kilometres apart, and thus subject to slightly different weather conditions, the data gives a general picture. Even the typically cooler Hakodate surpassed 25 degrees celsius on multiple occasions, which is the threshold for a "summer day" in Japan. On Honshu, several racing venues saw temperatures frequently exceed 30 degrees celsius, with the radar near Chukyo Racecourse in Obu City recording an average high of 35 degrees celsius in August.
Interestingly, despite the implementation of heat countermeasures at Niigata, the average high temperature in July remained in the 20 degrees celsius range, while August saw an average high of 31.1 degrees celsius making it the second coolest location after Hokkaido. In contrast, Chukyo's temperatures were about 4 degrees celsius higher. Though this summer was hot across the country, the Japan Sea coast and Hokkaido enjoyed relatively milder conditions.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the average summer temperatures (from June to August) have been higher than normal for the past five years. In 2022, northern, eastern, and western Japan were all 0.9 degrees celsius above the historical average, while in 2023, northern Japan was 3.0 degrees warmer, eastern Japan 1.7 degrees, and western Japan 0.9 degrees above average. This year, northern Japan was 2.3 degrees celsius higher, eastern Japan was 1.7 degrees, and western Japan 1.4 degrees. Since 2014, Japan has not experienced a cool summer, indicating that even more heat mitigation measures may be necessary in the coming years.
While September has arrived, daytime temperatures are still frequently above 30 degrees celsius, so the heat remains a concern. Here's hoping that all horses and jockeys can safely complete the remaining races this season.
The weather radar near each racetrack provided data on the average high temperatures and the highest recorded temperatures during the racing period. Although the radar locations and racetracks can be several kilometres apart, and thus subject to slightly different weather conditions, the data gives a general picture. Even the typically cooler Hakodate surpassed 25 degrees celsius on multiple occasions, which is the threshold for a "summer day" in Japan. On Honshu, several racing venues saw temperatures frequently exceed 30 degrees celsius, with the radar near Chukyo Racecourse in Obu City recording an average high of 35 degrees celsius in August.
Interestingly, despite the implementation of heat countermeasures at Niigata, the average high temperature in July remained in the 20 degrees celsius range, while August saw an average high of 31.1 degrees celsius making it the second coolest location after Hokkaido. In contrast, Chukyo's temperatures were about 4 degrees celsius higher. Though this summer was hot across the country, the Japan Sea coast and Hokkaido enjoyed relatively milder conditions.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the average summer temperatures (from June to August) have been higher than normal for the past five years. In 2022, northern, eastern, and western Japan were all 0.9 degrees celsius above the historical average, while in 2023, northern Japan was 3.0 degrees warmer, eastern Japan 1.7 degrees, and western Japan 0.9 degrees above average. This year, northern Japan was 2.3 degrees celsius higher, eastern Japan was 1.7 degrees, and western Japan 1.4 degrees. Since 2014, Japan has not experienced a cool summer, indicating that even more heat mitigation measures may be necessary in the coming years.
While September has arrived, daytime temperatures are still frequently above 30 degrees celsius, so the heat remains a concern. Here's hoping that all horses and jockeys can safely complete the remaining races this season.