Typhoon 15 is forecast to cross eastern Japan on Wednesday before moving into the Sea of Japan [2].
This storm follows an atypical route from east to west, creating unstable atmospheric conditions that increase the risk of severe weather across multiple regions.
Meteorologists expect the storm to traverse eastern Japan and enter the Sea of Japan by Wednesday afternoon, where it is predicted to weaken into a tropical depression [2]. The unusual trajectory is a primary concern for forecasters. "It is a path we do not see very often, moving across the Japanese archipelago from east to west," said meteorologist Manami Sakaguchi.
Heavy rainfall is expected across several prefectures. Forecasts indicate up to 180 mm in Kanto-Koshin [1], 150 mm in Tohoku [1], 120 mm in Tokai [1], and 80 mm in Hokuriku and Kinki [1].
Wind speeds are also expected to reach dangerous levels. Maximum instantaneous wind speeds are forecast at 35 m/s for Tohoku and Kanto-Koshin [1]. The Tokai and Hokuriku regions may see speeds of 30 m/s [1], while Kinki is expected to experience 25 m/s [1].
Residents in the Kanto region should prepare for the storm's closest approach to the city center around 9 p.m., said caster Takahiro Inoue.
While Typhoon 15 is expected to dissipate, officials warn of further instability. A new typhoon may form and could potentially approach Honshu by Aug. 16 [2]. The current weather pattern is driven by a combination of moist air and cold air in the upper atmosphere, a mix that triggers heavy rain and strong winds [3].
TBS NEWS DIG reported that Typhoon 15 will move westward near Kanto and cross eastern Japan by Thursday morning [4].
“It is a path we do not see very often, moving across the Japanese archipelago from east to west.”
The atypical westward movement of Typhoon 15 suggests a disruption in standard seasonal weather patterns, complicating predictability for local authorities. The potential for a second storm to follow immediately after the first increases the risk of saturated soil and flooding, as the landscape will have little time to recover between two distinct weather events.
