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Northeast Asia to Experience Above-Normal Temperatures Next Week, Raising Cooling Demand

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Northeast Asia is expected to encounter elevated temperatures next week, according to weather forecasts, boosting demand for cooling at a time when energy prices are surging due to conflict tensions in the Middle East.

Japan is likely to experience "very high" temperatures from mid-week, according to an early warning issued by Japan Meteorological Agency on Thursday, following a brief reprieve from hot weather over the weekend.

This week, several regions in Japan have recorded temperatures beyond 40 degrees Celsius, including Tajimi, Gujo, and Toyoda, intensifying heatwaves and raising heatstroke alerts, while raising power demand through increased air conditioner use.

Higher power consumption could deplete natural gas inventories in Japan, which relies on imports for most of its energy needs, Bloomberg reported.

In China, temperatures exceeding 36 degrees Celsius are likely beginning Wednesday next week, forecasts show.

Vaisala meteorologist Paul Markert, as cited by Bloomberg, said a high-pressure pattern will bring hot weather across parts of north and northeast China, with temperatures potentially exceeding normal levels by at least 5.5 degrees Celsius and likely reaching 36.9 degrees Celsius on Thursday and Friday.

South Korea, some of which is already under an excessive heat warning, is expected to experience above-normal temperatures next week, potentially beyond 33 Celsius from Wednesday, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration.

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