The Japan Meteorological Agency is warning of dangerous heat in western Japan and heavy rain in the north for July 12, 2026 [1].

These conflicting weather patterns present simultaneous risks of heatstroke in the south and landslides in the north, forcing regional authorities to issue urgent safety alerts.

In western Japan, the heat wave is expected to be severe. Temperatures in northern Kyushu are forecast to approach 40°C [1]. Specific city forecasts include 38°C for Fukuoka [1], 34°C for Okayama [1], and 33°C for Hiroshima [1]. Other southern regions will also see high temperatures, with Matsue expected to reach 35°C [1] and Kagoshima 34°C [1].

Central and eastern cities will experience significant heat as well. Tokyo is forecast at 30°C [1], while Nagoya and Osaka are expected to reach 33°C [1] and 32°C [1], respectively. Kanazawa is also predicted to hit 32°C [1].

Conversely, northern Japan and the Hokuriku region face the threat of intermittent heavy rain [1]. This weather pattern increases the risk of landslides, with the danger extending through Monday, July 13, 2026 [1]. In these cooler regions, forecast highs include 28°C for Sendai [1], 27°C for Aomori [1], and 27°C for Sapporo [1]. Kushiro is expected to be the coolest major city at 22°C [1].

Other regional forecasts include 30°C for Nagano [1], 28°C for Niigata [1], and 25°C for Morioka [1]. In the far south, Naha is forecast at 31°C [1] and Kochi at 31°C [1].

Regarding storm activity, a recent typhoon has moved away from Okinawa [1]. While the immediate impact of the storm has diminished, strong winds remain a concern in that area [1].

“Temperatures in northern Kyushu are forecast to approach 40°C”

Japan is currently experiencing a volatile summer weather split, where extreme thermal stress in the south occurs simultaneously with hydrological risks in the north. This duality complicates national emergency responses, as the country must manage both heat-related medical emergencies and potential landslide evacuations across different prefectures in the same 48-hour window.