Tokyo has had rain for 34 days in a row, the longest streak since records began in 1886. The previous record was 33 days, set between June 27 and July 29, 2019.

Central Tokyo received 629 millimeters of rain in September through Monday, nearly triple the normal monthly average and close to the all-time September record of 670.9 millimeters set in 1958.

A Japan Meteorological Agency official said the unusual weather map this month is partly the result of El Niño, which brings higher ocean temperatures. Autumn rain fronts have also lingered longer than usual because of a persistent high-pressure system over the Pacific.

The agency says a single streak cannot be directly tied to climate change, but that global warming is affecting Japan's long-term weather, including heavier rainfall. Warmer air holds more moisture, which makes heavy downpours more likely.

The rain follows a summer of significant flooding in the region and is adding to pressure on food prices.