Central Tokyo receives rain for 34 straight days, longest on record

TOKYO -- A stationary autumn rain front brought persistent rain to central Tokyo for an unprecedented 34 consecutive days, ending on September 29. This record-breaking streak surpasses the previous longest duration of 33 consecutive days recorded between June 27 and July 29, 2019, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).

The JMA's observation point in central Tokyo is located in Kitanomaru Park, Chiyoda Ward. While the 2019 record was set during the early summer rainy season, this year's extended rainy spell is attributed to a stationary front near Honshu, the main island of Japan. Warm, moist air repeatedly flowed into the stationary front, coupled with the approach of typhoons, which significantly boosted precipitation levels.

As of September 27, central Tokyo had already accumulated 621.5 millimeters of rainfall, nearly triple the annual average and close to the highest monthly total of 670.9 millimeters recorded in September 1958. Central Tokyo experienced a total of 45.8 hours of daylight between September 1 and 27, ranking the second lowest on record.

On September 30, the Kanto region, which includes Tokyo, is expected to receive additional rainfall due to the influence of an autumnal rain front and other meteorological factors.