The Japan Meteorological Agency issued forecasts for July 26, 2024, warning of temperatures approaching 40 °C in West Japan and a powerful typhoon.
These simultaneous weather extremes place significant pressure on public health and infrastructure. The combination of a severe heatwave and a high-intensity storm increases the risk of heatstroke and structural damage across multiple regions.
In West Japan, some locations are expected to reach temperatures near 40 °C [6]. Recent recordings in Fukuoka-Kurume and Kumamoto-Yatsushiro already reached 39.1 °C [1]. Meanwhile, Tokyo experienced a "猛暑日" with temperatures of 35 °C or higher [5].
Simultaneously, Typhoon No. 18 is making its closest approach to Okinawa and the Amami Islands. The storm is predicted to bring a maximum instantaneous wind speed of 60 m/s [2]. The Japan Meteorological Agency said these wind speeds raise the risk of house collapse.
Heavy rainfall is also expected to impact the southern islands by the evening of July 26. Forecasts predict rainfall amounts of 250 mm in Amami [3], and 150 mm in Okinawa [4].
Residents in the affected areas are advised to monitor official updates as the typhoon retains strong intensity. The agency said the risk of heavy rain and high winds remains critical for the Amami and Okinawa regions through the morning of July 27.
“Some locations in West Japan are expected to reach temperatures near 40 °C.”
The convergence of a record-level heatwave and a high-category typhoon demonstrates the volatility of Japan's summer weather patterns. While the heatwave impacts the densely populated West Japan and Tokyo, the typhoon threatens the critical infrastructure of the southern islands, requiring a dual-pronged emergency response for both heat-related illness and storm devastation.
