Temperatures in Japan will continue to increase at a much faster pace than the world's average, the Japan Meteorological Agency predicted in a book published on Saturday.
The book also claims that temperatures in the late 20th century rose sharply due to global warming.
The agency used data from the past 100 years to compile the book. It says the annual average temperature has increased by 1 C in Japan since 1901, which is higher than the worldwide average increase of 0.7 degree.
In 70 years, the average January temperature in Japan is expected to be 2 degrees higher than it is now, bringing more rain than snow in areas along the Japan Sea.
"The mid and high latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere, including Japan, will see the highest rise in temperatures due to the effects of global warming," the book warns.
Sharp temperature increases in Japan are found particularly in large cities due to the "heat island" phenomenon caused by such factors as tall buildings, scarce vegetation and population concentration.
For example, Tokyo's average temperature rose by 3 degrees during the 20th century. , more than double the figures of smaller cities, the book says.
Temperatures have significantly risen in Japan since the late 1970s. Many areas in Japan have experienced more days in which the high temperature reaches 35 degrees or higher, it says.
Some areas also experienced more nights in which the high temperature reaches 25 degrees or more.