The Japan Meteorological Agency announced Monday that the rainy season has ended in southern Kyushu [1].
This transition marks the official start of summer for Miyazaki and Kagoshima prefectures, signaling a shift toward the extreme heat and humidity typical of the region. Residents are now facing a sudden increase in temperature that elevates the risk of heat-related illnesses.
The agency made the announcement at 11 a.m. [2], and said that the rainy season appears to have concluded. Officials said the decision followed the strengthening of the Pacific High, which has brought widespread clear skies to the area [3].
According to the agency, this year's end to the rainy season is two days earlier than the average year [4]. However, it is 16 days later than the date recorded last year [5].
"The Japan Meteorological Agency announced at 11 a.m. that the rainy season in southern Kyushu appears to have ended," the agency said [6].
Meteorologists said that intense heat is expected immediately following the end of the rainy season. The agency said that vigilance against heatstroke is necessary as temperatures rise sharply [7].
Local authorities are advising citizens to maintain hydration, and use air conditioning to manage the sudden shift in weather patterns. The strengthening of the Pacific High is expected to maintain these sunny conditions across the southern region for the foreseeable future [3].
“The rainy season in southern Kyushu appears to have ended.”
The timing of the rainy season's end in southern Kyushu is a critical indicator for agricultural planning and public health readiness in Japan. While the current end date is close to the historical average, the significant 16-day delay compared to the previous year suggests volatile year-over-year weather patterns. The immediate onset of extreme heat puts pressure on the healthcare system to manage heatstroke cases and requires the energy grid to handle increased cooling demands.
