Tokyo gets toasty

—By Pam Squyres

| Sat Sep. 23, 2000 12:00 AM PDT

Recent years have seen rising temperatures in Tokyo, leading to atypical tropical-style evening rains. But for once the culprit isn't global warming. The Asian megalopolis is simply stewing in its own juices.

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The concentration of buildings, cars, and bodies found in cities normally creates a "heat island" effect. The NEW SCIENTIST reports that in Tokyo, the phenomenon causes large, water-laden clouds to build during the day, and release downpours in the evening. One evening last July, 82.5 millimeters (more than three inches) fell in an hour, causing serious flooding.

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The problem has become so serious that Japan's Environment Agency is working on measures to lower urban temperatures, such as installing lighter-colored concrete that absorbs less heat and planting more trees.

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