Japan hit by widespread heavy rain and thunderstorm warnings on July 24

On July 24, Japan's meteorological agencies issued a series of severe weather alerts across the country. The Kumamoto Regional Weather Center released thunderstorm warnings for dozens of municipalities including Kumamoto City, Yatsushiro, and Aso districts. In Tokyo, the Japan Meteorological Agency projected up to 40 mm of rain per hour in the evening, warning of rainstorm‑level precipitation, flash flooding, lightning, tornadoes and strong gusts. In Niigata Prefecture, the Niigata Local Meteorological Office recorded 48.5 mm of rain in one hour at Tainai and issued a level‑4 landslide‑danger warning for Sado, while level‑3 heavy‑rain warnings were posted for Tainai and Murakami. Tochigi Prefecture also warned of unstable atmospheric conditions, with expected hourly rainfall of up to 40 mm, potential river rise, landslides, lightning, and tornadoes. Authorities in each region urged residents to stay indoors, protect property, and monitor river levels.