Southern Kyushu Enters Rainy Season Earlier Than Okinawa for First Time in 49 Years

May 17, 2025 | News On Japan

KYUSHU, May 17, 2025 (News On Japan) - Southern Kyushu has entered the rainy season, marking the first time in 49 years that it has done so earlier than Okinawa. It is also the earliest rainy season start for any region in Japan since the Meteorological Agency began keeping records. Authorities are warning of heavy rainfall not only in Kyushu but across other parts of the country as well.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, Southern Kyushu's rainy season began 14 days earlier than average and 23 days earlier than last year. Okinawa, which typically enters the rainy season first, has not yet done so this year, making the situation particularly unusual.

The agency attributes the early onset of the season to strong high-pressure systems building south of Japan. As a result, atmospheric conditions are expected to remain unstable over the weekend.

Heavy rain warnings have been issued, with the risk of torrential downpours from Kyushu through the Tokai region due to the influence of a low-pressure system and a stationary front. In the Kanto region, forecasts predict rain from Saturday morning through early afternoon, with the possibility of localized thunderstorms and sudden shifts in weather. Authorities urge the public to remain alert for rapidly changing conditions.

Source: TBS

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