Unstable atmospheric conditions trigger heavy rain in northern Japan

Japanese weather officials are warning that moist air is making atmospheric conditions in northern Japan extremely unstable and triggering heavy rain there.

Akita Prefecture is believed to have gotten 110 milliliters of rain in an hour up to 3 p.m. on Tuesday.

The Meteorological Agency said warm, moist air coming in along the periphery of a high-pressure system is causing unstable atmospheric conditions mainly in northern Japan.

Akita and Yurihonjo cities, both in Akita Prefecture, had 59 millimeters of rain in an hour on Tuesday afternoon. Landslide alerts have been issued in parts of the prefecture following heavy rains there.

Unstable atmospheric conditions are forecast to continue in northern and eastern Japan through Wednesday. The areas can expect localized downpours accompanied by thunder. Parts of the Tohoku region may get 50 millimeters of rain in an hour.

Weather officials are warning against landslides, flooding in low-lying areas and swollen rivers. They are also asking people to remain alert for lightning strikes, sudden gusts, tornadoes and hail.

Meanwhile, temperatures surged mainly in western and eastern Japan on Tuesday.

Temperatures rose above 35 degrees Celsius in many parts in the Kanto region. The mercury soared to 35.8 degrees in Hatoyama Town in Saitama Prefecture, 35.6 degrees in Kiryu City in Gunma Prefecture, and 33.5 degrees in central Tokyo.

Hot weather is likely to continue on Wednesday. Temperatures are forecast to rise to 34 degrees in the cities of Saitama, Yokohama, Kofu and Shizuoka, and 33 degrees in central Tokyo as well as the cities of Nagoya, Matsuyama and Kumamoto.

Weather officials are advising people to use air conditioners properly and regularly drink water even when not thirsty.

Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230919_29/