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The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued warnings for intense rainfall and potential landslides in western Japan.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a warning about intense and significant rainfall in the western part of Shizuoka Prefecture, driven by a linear precipitation band. A seasonal rain front and a low-pressure system have created unstable atmospheric conditions, bringing heavy rain primarily to Kyushu in southwestern Japan.
Weather officials caution that landslides are a serious risk, as the soil has already been saturated by rain leading up to Friday. The agency attributes the unstable atmospheric conditions in western and eastern Japan to warm moist air flowing into the rain front and a low-pressure system over the Kyushu and Tokai regions.
Why This Matters: Intermittent rain clouds have covered the Kyushu, Shikoku, and Tokai regions. Rainfall levels from 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. on Friday were recorded as follows: 39 millimeters in Unzen, Nagasaki Prefecture; 34 millimeters in Suo-Oshima, Yamaguchi Prefecture; and 30 millimeters in Kosai, Shizuoka Prefecture. Notably, Ibusuki City and Kinko Town in Kagoshima Prefecture have received more than 700 millimeters of rain since June 20, surpassing their typical rainfall for the entire month of June.
Parts of Kagoshima Prefecture are currently under a mudslide alert. The seasonal rain front is expected to bring extremely heavy rain to western and eastern Japan on Friday, with heavy rain continuing into Saturday. The predicted rainfall levels for the 24-hour period through Saturday morning are as follows: up to 200 millimeters in the Tokai and Kinki regions, 180 millimeters in southern Kyushu, 150 millimeters in Shikoku and northern Kyushu, and 100 millimeters in Hokuriku.
The agency warns that disaster risk could rise suddenly due to persistent heavy rain from bands of rain clouds expected to form on Friday morning in Fukuoka, Oita, and Kumamoto Prefectures. Residents are advised to be cautious of mudslides, flooding in low-lying areas, and swollen or overflowing rivers. Weather officials also warn of potential lightning strikes and gusty winds.
Authorities urge people to closely monitor evacuation information provided by their municipalities and to stay in safe locations as weather conditions can deteriorate rapidly.
Key Takeaways:
- Intense rainfall in western Shizuoka Prefecture due to a linear precipitation band.
- Seasonal rain front and low pressure causing unstable conditions in Japan.
- Significant rainfall recorded, surpassing monthly averages in some areas.
- Mudslide alerts issued, particularly in parts of Kagoshima Prefecture.
- Residents advised to heed evacuation information and stay in safe places.