Scorching Heat Hits Oita Prefecture: Hita Reaches 32.9°C, Setting 2025’s Highest Temperature So Far

May 20 marked the hottest day of the year so far in Oita Prefecture, with 11 observation points recording new annual highs. The city of Hita recorded a sweltering 32.9°C, while Bungo-Ōno’s Inukai district followed closely at 32.2°C, officially making it a midsummer day in many areas. In Oita City, where the temperature hit 27.4°C, around 100 children and parents from Chiyomachi Kindergarten gathered at Heiwa Civic Park for a welcome excursion. Despite the heat, the children were full of energy, enjoying games like tag and tug-of-war. “Tag was the most fun—but tug-of-war too!” one child said. “I’m tired,” added another. To ensure safety, the kindergarten shortened the event by 30 minutes and increased rest time in the shade. A parent expressed concern: “I’m worried about heatstroke, especially in this kind of weather.” The intense heat was caused by warm air flowing in from the south combined with strong sunlight, pushing temperatures above 30°C at 8 locations across the prefecture. Nearly all stations, except Kunisaki’s Musashi area, recorded temperatures above 25°C. Coinciding with the heat, ayu fishing season officially opened on May 20 in Hita. Anglers could be seen casting lines into the Oyama River, a tributary of the Mikuma River. “I’ve been looking forward to this! I already caught a few, and I’m really happy,” said one fisherman. “It’s only midday, but it’s really hot—got to watch out for heatstroke.” However, a change in the weather is expected on May 21, with rainfall and possibly heavy showers forecasted across wide areas in the afternoon.