The sound of melting is all around us as we arrive on the Stubai glacier in Austria. Today the ice may lose a centimetre or two of depth, because the sun is shining and temperatures are well above zero. As we walk slowly from the ski lift, glaciologist Andrea Fischer warns us to watch out for holes and cracks in the icy mud.
Japan is set to experience an extended summer, with high temperatures expected to persist through September and October, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. Some regions may see temperatures as high as 35°C in early September, delaying the arrival of autumn until November. The prolonged heat is influenced by factors such as the El Niño phenomenon and broader global climate change, marking a shift in seasonal patterns.