Weather warnings and heavy rain in Japan

In mid-July 2026, meteorological observatories in Japan issued various weather advisories. In the Kumamoto region, thunderstorm warnings for several municipalities, including Kumamoto City and Yatsushiro, were lifted. Simultaneously, the Aomori Meteorological Observatory issued advisories for heavy rain and lightning, specifically advising farmers to protect crops and livestock from potential flooding and wind damage.

By August 2026, weather warnings and evacuation orders were being lifted in Kumamoto and Oita prefectures following heavy rain caused by a seasonal rain front. In Kumamoto, lightning advisories were lifted for numerous areas such as Kumamoto City, Tamana, and Kikuchi. In Oita Prefecture, Hita City lifted all evacuation orders, though some caution remained in the Ozuru district regarding potential landslides until mitigation measures, including the use of sandbags and protective sheets, were completed.

By mid-August 2026, weather patterns shifted toward extreme diversity. Kumamoto Prefecture faced advisories for high temperatures and low rainfall, with average temperatures in Kumamoto City reported as 1.9°C higher than normal. Forecasters indicated these conditions might persist for approximately one month. In western Toyama Prefecture, the Shogawa River faced potential drought, while water levels at the Mobunai Dam in Gifu Prefecture dropped significantly, causing a 20% reduction in water intake for agriculture.

Conversely, Tochigi Prefecture was placed on alert for flooding, landslides, lightning, and sudden gusts due to atmospheric instability. In Oita Prefecture, evacuation orders for Hita City related to previous heavy rains were confirmed as lifted.