Japan experienced its hottest July since records began in 1898, the country's weather agency said, warning of more "extreme heat" next month.

Scientists say heatwaves are becoming more intense and frequent across the globe due to man-made climate change and Japan is no exception, AFP reports.

The average temperature in July was a record 2.89°C higher than the 1991-2020 average, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

This is the third year in a row with record average temperatures for July.

On July 30, Japan recorded the highest temperature of 41.2°C in the western Hyogo region.

"Next month is expected to continue to bring strong heat across the country," the weather agency said.

Rainfall in July was light in vast areas of Japan, and record low rainfall fell in northern areas facing the Sea of Japan, it added.

The rainy season ended about three weeks earlier than usual in Japan's western regions, another record.

Experts warn that Japan's beloved cherry trees bloom earlier because of the warmer climate, or sometimes don't fully bloom because autumn and winter are not cold enough to trigger flowering.

Mount Fuji's famous snow cover was absent for the longest reporting period last year and only appeared in early November instead of early October. | BGNES