What changed
2026-08-21 08:52 UTC → 2026-08-23 10:10 UTC ·
added
removed
Severe weather warnings in and flooding across Japan
In late July 2026, meteorological observatories in Japan issued thunderstorm, heavy rain, and lightning advisories for the Kumamoto and Aomori prefectures. These warnings prompted technical safety recommendations for agricultural sectors regarding drainage and livestock protection. By early August 2026, weather alerts expanded to the Kanto-Koshin and Tochigi regions. Unstable atmospheric conditions led to Following previous warnings for intense thunderstorms and significant rainfall, with predictions of up to 100mm of rain in certain areas. Authorities advised residents to prepare for potential flooding, landslides, rising river levels, and extreme weather such as tornadoes Kumamoto, Aomori, Akita, and hail. On August 8, 2026, Kyoto, weather warnings intensified as heavy rain alerts were issued for Yuzawa City in Akita Prefecture and Kyoto Prefecture. In Yuzawa, the intensified across Japan Meteorological Agency issued a record-breaking heavy rain information alert after approximately 100mm of torrential rain fell within a single hour. Simultaneously, the Kyoto Meteorological Observatory issued an early warning for Kyoto Prefecture, citing atmospheric instability. in late August 2026. On August 21, 2026, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued new warnings for the Kanto-Koshin region and Tochigi Prefecture. Driven by Prefecture due to pressure troughs and warm, moist air, intense rain and thunder were expected through the early hours of August 22. In Kanto-Koshin, air. Projections included 24-hour rainfall was projected of up to 80mm, while Tochigi faced similar projections with 80mm and hourly rates reaching 40mm. Authorities cautioned against of 40mm, with risks of flooding, landslides, lightning, sudden gusts, and hail. Additionally, Simultaneously, a tornado advisory was released for Hiroshima Prefecture, warning of severe gusts, lightning, hail, and sudden heavy rainfall. In Osaka Prefecture, an early warning was issued for Osaka regarding potential heavy rain on August 22. By August 22, severe localized ‘guerrilla rainstorms’ caused significant disruption. In the possibility Kanto region, parts of heavy Tokyo and Saitama received over 120mm of rain reaching warning in a single hour, triggering ‘record-breaking short-term heavy rain’ alerts. In Tokyo, rising water levels starting in the afternoon Zenpukuji and Kanda Rivers prompted Level 4 flood danger warnings, and a road collapse was reported in Chiyoda Ward. As of August 22, with residents 23, unstable conditions are expected to persist. Meteorological offices have issued early warnings for the Kinki region, noting that heavy rain warnings may be issued for Osaka, Hyogo, and southern Kyoto prefectures on August 24. Residents in these areas are advised to watch prepare for sudden sudden, intense thunderstorms and potential flooding.