Okinawa Enters Rainy Season, Fourth-Latest Start on Record

May 23, 2025 | News On Japan

NAHA - The Japan Meteorological Agency announced that the Okinawa region is believed to have entered the rainy season on May 22nd, marking the fourth-latest start since records began in 1951. The onset is 12 days later than the average year and one day later than in 2024.

Cloudy skies and rainfall were observed across Okinawa on May 22nd due to the influence of a stationary front and moist air flowing into the region. Similar weather is expected to persist over the coming week.

According to the Meteorological Agency, the delayed rainy season in 2025 was largely due to a strong high-pressure system that brought prolonged sunshine to the area. Meanwhile, southern Kyushu entered the rainy season first this year on May 16th, the earliest for any region nationwide in 49 years.

In Okinawa's main island region, localized thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are forecast, and depending on the development of rain clouds, there is a risk of weather warnings being issued for severe rain.

Source: 沖縄ニュースOTV

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