A record heat wave continued in August, sending the average temperature in eastern Japan soaring above the norm. As the consumption of milk in school lunches has increased significantly due to shorter summer holidays, the high temperatures, which could become the highest on record, are reducing milk production and causing a shortage.
-- Severe heat to continue
The Meteorological Agency said the average temperature between Aug. 1 and Aug. 27 was 2 C higher than normal in eastern Japan and 0.1 C higher than 2010, when temperatures saw all-time highs.
The average temperature in western Japan was 1.7 C above normal and matched the record high seen in 2010.
On Aug. 17, the temperature in Hamamatsu reached 41.1 C, which equaled the highest temperature ever recorded in Japan. The nation's capital matched its record since surveys began in 1875 with 10 extremely hot days recording temps of 35 C or higher in central Tokyo.
The Meteorological Agency has warned that severe heat will continue in September, as moist air continues to flow into the Japanese archipelago from the south.
High temperatures affect milk production. According to the Japan Dairy Association (J-milk), an organization made up of dairy farmers and dairy manufacturers, when temperatures rise, cows generally suffer from heat exhaustion and their ability to produce milk decreases.
-- Short holidays equal more milk demand
In the past, a decrease in production in summer had no effect because of lower consumption in school lunches. This year, however, summer vacations were greatly shortened because schools were closed due to the spread of the novel coronavirus. Many schools reopened in August and milk consumption increased significantly.
In August, milk consumed with school lunches is expected to increase to 16,000 kiloliters, or 2.65 times the year before. A J-milk staff member said: "While supplying schools with milk, we want to get through this summer by increasing the variety of processed milk and other products, so that retail stores don't run out of milk. We want consumers to refrain from stockpiling."
-- 'Gratitude'
As lunchtime began at Ryogoku Elementary School in Sumida Ward, Tokyo, on Aug. 28, a teacher explained the heat and the state of milk production. She told the children that "milk is delivered under these conditions. So let's enjoy it."
"The teacher told me about the milk shortage. I want to drink it with gratitude," an 11-year-old boy said.
The teacher said: "They just learned how dairy farming works in social studies class. Although some activities couldn't be carried out due to the virus, we want to connect learning with daily life and make it an opportunity to think."
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