TOKYO, Aug 07 (News On Japan) - A tropical depression in the southern seas near the Ogasawara Islands is likely to develop into a typhoon. This could become Typhoon No. 5, although typically, by this time, there would have been nine or ten typhoons.
If it forms, it is expected to move north, approaching Hokkaido by August 11-12. Although not expected to become a major typhoon, its proximity could impact Japan, particularly the Pacific coast, with high waves from Friday to Saturday. Tohoku might experience rain and strong winds from the typhoon's outer rainbands on Saturday. Hokkaido's eastern region could face heavy rain from Sunday to Monday, coinciding with the three-day holiday and Obon festival.
The typhoon is predicted to pass near the Ogasawara Islands tonight and move north, affecting the Kanto coastal areas by Friday night and reaching the Sanriku region by Saturday. Pacific coast areas should remain vigilant over the holiday weekend.
In addition to the typhoon, Western Japan continues to experience record-breaking heatwave days. Tomorrow's forecast shows widespread extreme heat, with temperatures expected to exceed 35°C in many areas. Notably, Yamaguchi, Fukuoka, Saga, and Oita are predicted to hit 39°C, with some places possibly reaching 40°C. Daifuku has experienced 21 consecutive days of extreme heat, the longest in the country this year, while Kumamoto has had 18 consecutive days. Residents should continue to take precautions against the prolonged heat.
Source: ANN