Japan faces a divide in weather conditions this Thursday, with extreme heat in the south and west and severe storms in the north [1].
This split in weather patterns creates simultaneous risks for the population, ranging from heatstroke in urban centers to flash flooding and landslides in rural mountainous regions.
A high-pressure system is dominating most of the country, leading to clear skies and high temperatures [3]. The TBS NEWS DIG weather team said many areas in western and eastern Japan will see maximum temperatures of 35°C or higher [1].
In western Japan, Hiroshima is expected to reach 38°C [1], while Okayama and Kochi are both forecast at 37°C [1]. Osaka and Tokyo are predicted to hit 36°C [1]. In the east, Nagoya is also forecast to reach 37°C [1]. Other regions, including Fukuoka, are expected to hit 35°C [1], and Kagoshima is predicted at 36°C [1].
While the south swelters, atmospheric instability in the north is bringing different hazards [3]. The TBS NEWS DIG weather team said the Hokuriku and Tohoku regions may experience localized, very heavy rain [1].
Forecasts for the north show more moderate temperatures, with Sendai predicted at 33°C [1], Niigata at 30°C [1], Aomori at 27°C [1], and Sapporo at 24°C [1]. However, the rain brings significant dangers. An MSN Japan weather report said vigilance is necessary regarding lightning, gusty winds, and potential landslides or flooding in low-lying areas [2].
Other coastal areas such as Matsue and Naha are expected to reach 33°C [1]. While some reports suggest a broader range of heat above 30°C [4], the primary forecast emphasizes the extreme heatwave affecting the majority of the archipelago [1].
“Many areas in western and eastern Japan will see maximum temperatures of 35°C or higher.”
The simultaneous occurrence of a severe heatwave and localized heavy rain demonstrates the volatility of Japan's summer weather patterns. The high-pressure system driving the heat in the south creates a sharp contrast with the unstable air in the north, forcing emergency services to manage two distinct types of natural disasters: heat-related illness and flood-related infrastructure failure.
