[Breaking News] "Level 5 Special Flood Warning" issued for the Koyoshi River in Akita Prefecture

2026/10/21 20:33

At 7:45 PM today, Wednesday the 21st, a "Level 5 Flood Emergency Warning" was issued for the Koyoshi River in Akita Prefecture.

At the Meih? reference observation station (Yurihonjo City) on the Koyoshi River, water levels have reached the "flood occurrence" threshold. It is possible that flooding is already underway along the Koyoshi River, and there is a risk of inundation in Yurihonjo City. Please immediately check for evacuation information issued by your local municipality and take appropriate disaster-prevention measures to ensure your personal safety.



An "Emergency Warning" corresponds to "Alert Level 5," indicating that a disaster is either occurring or imminent. There is an extremely high probability that a disaster is already in progress.
Your life is in immediate danger; please take steps to ensure your safety right away.




Currently, a low-pressure system is rapidly intensifying as it moves northeast near Hokkaido. A cold front extending from this system is passing through the Tohoku region.
Warm, moist air is flowing toward the low-pressure system and the front, resulting in active rain clouds over the Tohoku region, including Akita Prefecture.
Please remain on high alert for rising river levels and potential flooding caused by heavy rain through the early morning hours of tomorrow, Thursday the 22nd.

Typhoon No. 30, packing very strong force, approaches the Sakishima Islands; caution advised regarding violent winds and high waves.

2026/10/21 19:09

As of 6:00 PM today, Wednesday the 21st, the large and violent Typhoon No. 30 is moving west-northwest, east of the Philippines. It has a central pressure of 900 hPa, and a distinct eye is visible near its center.



Typhoon No. 30 is expected to move northwest, passing south of Okinawa. By the day after tomorrow, Friday the 23rd, it is projected to gradually shift its course toward the north and approach the Sakishima Islands while maintaining "very strong" or "strong" intensity.



In the Okinawa region, very strong winds are expected tomorrow, Thursday the 22nd. By the day after tomorrow, Friday the 23rd, there is a risk of violent winds?intense enough to cause the collapse of some homes. Please take strict precautions against these severe winds: move into a sturdy building before the winds intensify, and stay away from windows while indoors. Wind Forecast
Expected maximum wind speeds (peak instantaneous wind speeds) for the 21st:
Okinawa Region: 18 m/s (30 m/s)
Expected maximum wind speeds (peak instantaneous wind speeds) for the 22nd:
Okinawa Region: 23 m/s (35 m/s)
Expected maximum wind speeds (peak instantaneous wind speeds) for the 23rd:
Okinawa Region: 40 m/s (60 m/s)

While sea conditions in the Okinawa region are already rough, they are expected to become extremely rough starting tomorrow, Thursday the 22nd. Through around the 24th, please exercise extreme caution regarding high waves accompanied by swells. Furthermore, depending on the typhoon's path, there is a risk of warning-level storm surges in the Okinawa region from Friday the 23rd through around the 25th. In the Amami region, please also remain on alert for high waves accompanied by swells from tomorrow, Thursday the 22nd, through around the 24th.



From Friday the 23rd through around Saturday the 24th, please exercise extreme caution regarding landslides, flooding in low-lying areas, and rising water levels or overflowing of rivers. Additionally, from tomorrow, Thursday the 22nd, through around Saturday the 24th, please be wary of lightning strikes and violent gusts, such as those caused by tornadoes. If there are signs that a developed cumulonimbus cloud is approaching, take immediate steps to ensure your safety?for example, by moving into a sturdy building.

Typhoon No.30 Approaching the Sakishima Islands with Very Strong Intensity: Take Strict Precautions(Analysis by Weather Forecaster Junko Miyake)

2026/10/21 14:41

Typhoon No.30's impact on the Okinawa region.



Let's look at the latest information on Typhoon No.30.
Typhoon No.30 is currently large and extremely intense.
It is moving west-northwest over the area east of the Philippines.
Its central pressure is 900 hPa, marking the peak of its development.

From here, the central pressure is expected to rise to 915 hPa tomorrow (Thursday),
and to 950 hPa the day after tomorrow (Friday).
Although the typhoon will weaken slightly,
it will still maintain very strong intensity as it approaches the Sakishima Islands of Okinawa Prefecture.

Please complete your typhoon preparations by tomorrow (Thursday),
before the rain and wind begin to intensify.



Let's zoom in a bit more.
The typhoon is increasingly likely to pass near the Sakishima Islands of Okinawa.
It will approach while maintaining its storm-force wind area.
In particular, the Yaeyama Islands, including Ishigaki Island,
should be on high alert for violent winds, high waves, and heavy rain.

On Thursday 22, maximum instantaneous wind speeds may reach 35 m/s,
strong enough to blow off roof tiles.
On Friday 23, winds may reach 60 m/s, an extremely violent level.

This level of wind strength is especially expected in the Yaeyama region.
Waves will be extremely rough, and heavy rain may continue through Saturday 24.



What happens when winds reach a maximum instantaneous speed of 60 m/s?

Outdoor activity becomes extremely dangerous.
Many trees may fall, and utility poles and streetlights may topple.
Some houses may even collapse under such violent winds.

Preparations must be completed before the storm winds arrive.
Bring any loose outdoor items indoors.

Close shutters outdoors, and stay away from utility poles and large trees.

Reinforce windows.
Even with reinforcement, windows may still break,
so stay away from windows when the winds intensify.



Now, here is the upcoming weather for Okinawa.
From Friday 23 through Saturday 24,
stormy conditions are expected mainly in the Sakishima Islands.

In particular, the Yaeyama region, including Ishigaki Island,
may experience prolonged severe weather.
Prepare early for violent winds, high waves, and heavy rain.

Even after the typhoon passes, moist air will remain,
and cloudy, unsettled weather is likely to continue.

Typhoon No.30 May Approach Honshu Next Week: Unseasonable Summer Heat Today, First Snow Possible in Hokkaido Tomorrow(Analysis by Weather Forecaster Junko Miyake)

2026/10/21 13:49

Today, Wednesday 21, record-breaking heat has been observed in some areas, but tomorrow, Thursday 22, Hokkaido may see its first snowfall of the season.



Current Weather Chart
This is the weather chart for Wednesday at 9 a.m.
A low-pressure system with a front is located over the Sea of Japan.
Warm air is flowing northward toward this low and its associated front.
Temperatures have risen mainly in western and eastern Japan.
By noon, the highest temperature was recorded in Owase City, Mie Prefecture, reaching 32.3C, breaking the previous October record.
Many locations, including Osaka and Kyoto, have exceeded 30C.



From tonight through tomorrow (Thursday), the low-pressure system over the Sea of Japan is expected to rapidly intensify as it moves toward Hokkaido.
The cold front extending from this system will pass through Honshu, bringing heavy rain and strong winds in some areas.

Rain Clouds at 11:30 a.m.
Rain clouds stretch across northern Japan and the Sea of Japan side.
At this time, rainfall is not particularly intense, but localized heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected tonight.



Rainfall Forecast
Rain clouds will spread from northern Japan to Hokuriku and the Sea of Japan side of western Japan.
Rainfall will intensify as the front passes, though the duration is not expected to be long.

When it rains, extremely heavy downpours exceeding 30 mm per hour, accompanied by lightning, are likely.
Even in places where it is not raining now, be alert for sudden heavy rain, lightning, and tornadoes or other violent gusts.

After midnight tonight, rain will stop in many areas, though some locations on the Sea of Japan side of northern Japan and Hokuriku may see rain lingering until morning.



Even after the rain stops, strong west to northwest winds will continue.
These winds will carry cold air aloft into the region.

In Hokkaido, snow is expected in mountainous areas from early tomorrow morning, and snow clouds may reach some lowland areas as well.

Since the first snowfall dates for Wakkanai and Asahikawa are October 19, it is not unusual for the first snow of the season to arrive around now.



Meanwhile, Typhoon No.30 is located over the southern seas.
It is currently large and extremely intense, with a central pressure dropping to 900 hPa, marking the peak of its development.

The typhoon will gradually weaken slightly while moving northwest.
It is expected to approach the Sakishima Islands of Okinawa around Friday 23 to Saturday 24.

The Sakishima Islands may experience very strong winds, high waves, and heavy rain at warning levels.
Before winds strengthen, secure any items that could be blown away and prepare for the typhoon.

Afterward, the typhoon may curve significantly westward and could approach Honshu.
It may take on characteristics of an extratropical cyclone while approaching and could intensify again.
Please continue to pay close attention to updates on the typhoon and low-pressure systems.



Tomorrow's Weather (Thursday)
Tomorrow, weather will improve in many areas.
Rain in Niigata and Akita will likely end by morning.
In Hokkaido, rain or snow will continue through the morning, along with strong winds.

In western and eastern Japan, sunny intervals will appear, but winds will remain strong.
Some places will again exceed 25C, but the strong winds will make it feel less warm than the temperature suggests.



Weekly Forecast
In Okinawa, the typhoon is expected to bring stormy weather from Friday 23 to Saturday 24.
After that, Honshu may also experience widespread rain and strong winds due to the influence of the typhoon or the low-pressure system that develops from it.
Please continue to stay updated with the latest information.

Weather for tomorrow, Thursday the 22nd: Snow accumulation expected in parts of Hokkaido; caution advised regarding a typhoon in the Okinawa region.

2026/10/21 13:20

As of 11:00 a.m. today, Wednesday the 21st, a low-pressure system accompanied by a front is moving northeast over the Sea of ??Japan. Due to this system and its front, rain is falling in many areas, stretching from the Sea of ??Japan side of Western Japan through to Northern Japan. Meanwhile, warm air from the south is flowing into the Pacific-facing regions of Western and Eastern Japan, leading to unseasonably warm weather.





The low-pressure system over the Sea of ??Japan is expected to intensify as it passes over Northern Japan, reaching the Sea of ??Okhotsk by tonight. Consequently, the pressure pattern will shift toward a "high-pressure to the west, low-pressure to the east" configuration by tomorrow, Thursday the 22nd.



In the Hokuriku region and along the Sea of ??Japan side of the Tohoku region, the influence of moist air and cold air will bring cloudy skies and scattered rain. On the Sea of ??Japan side of Hokkaido, it will be cloudy with intermittent rain, and some areas may experience thunderstorms. As the pressure gradient steepens around the low-pressure system, winds will strengthen; therefore, caution is advised regarding strong winds across Northern Japan through tomorrow, Thursday the 22nd. Additionally, in Hokkaido, the influx of cold air may lead to snow accumulation, so please be mindful of potential traffic disruptions caused by frozen road surfaces. The Pacific-facing regions of Western and Eastern Japan are expected to be gradually covered by a high-pressure system moving in from the continent. Consequently, Western Japan will see widespread clear skies. Eastern Japan will also be generally clear, though the influence of moist air may lead to increased cloud cover, particularly during the morning and evening hours.





Meanwhile, Typhoon No. 30 is approaching the Okinawa region. Due to the typhoon, the Okinawa region will experience cloudy and rainy weather tomorrow, Thursday the 22nd, with the possibility of thunderstorms in some areas. Heavy rainfall is expected in parts of the Okinawa main island region and the Sakishima Islands. Please exercise caution regarding strong winds and remain alert for high waves at sea.

Osaka City Hits 30 –Latest "Midsummer Day" on Record; Tokyo and Nagoya May Follow

2026/10/21 12:23

Today, Wednesday the 21st, some areas along the Pacific coast of Western and Eastern Japan are experiencing unseasonably hot weather. In Osaka City, temperatures reached 30 before 10:00 a.m., marking the latest date on record for a "midsummer day" (a day with a high of 30or higher).



A low-pressure system accompanied by a front is currently moving eastward across the Sea of ??Japan, drawing warm air from the south toward the system and its associated front.

Regions along the Pacific coast of Western and Eastern Japan are covered by a warm air mass?with temperatures reaching 18 ??at an altitude of approximately 1,500 meters?reminiscent of conditions typically seen between late August and early September. In areas where the sun is shining, temperatures have been rising since the morning. In Osaka City, a temperature of 30.0 was recorded at 9:45 a.m., climbing further to 30.8 by 11:09 a.m.?the latest date for a midsummer day on record. The temperature in Osaka is expected to reach as high as 32.

Meanwhile, in central Tokyo, temperatures have already surpassed 29, reaching 29.8 by 11:00 a.m.?just shy of the 30 threshold. Temperatures may continue to rise into the early afternoon, with a daily high of 30 currently forecast. Should it reach 30, this would also set a record for the latest midsummer day. Additionally, temperatures in Nagoya City are expected to climb as high as 31.




The unseasonably warm weather?unusual for late October?increases the risk of heatstroke, so please exercise caution if you are spending time outdoors.
Be sure to stay hydrated by drinking fluids regularly.

Weekly weather: Expect frequent cloudy or rainy days across many regions; keep an eye on the path of Typhoon 30.

2026/10/21 08:52

Looking ahead, the area around Honshu is likely to be affected by weather fronts, leading to frequent cloudy or rainy days. Please also keep a close watch on the future path of Typhoon No. 30.



Tomorrow, Tuesday the 22nd, the region around Honshu will be under the influence of a high-pressure system. Conditions in Western and Eastern Japan are expected to improve, with many areas seeing clear skies.
In Northern Japan, due to a strong cold air mass in the upper atmosphere, snow is expected at higher elevations in Hokkaido and the northern part of the Tohoku region, with the potential for snow accumulation. If you are driving through mountainous areas?such as over mountain passes?please pay close attention to road conditions and check for the latest traffic information. In the low-lying areas of the Tohoku region and in Niigata Prefecture, cold rain may fall until around dawn.



As of 6:00 a.m. today, Wednesday the 21st, the large and violent Typhoon No. 30 is moving northwest over the ocean east of the Philippines.
Caution is advised for the Sakishima Islands, where high, swell-driven waves?potentially reaching warning-level intensity?are expected starting tonight. Similar conditions are anticipated for the main island of Okinawa beginning tomorrow, the 22nd.
Typhoon No. 30 is expected to make its closest approach to the Sakishima Islands around the 24th. While it is forecast to gradually lose some of its strength as it continues moving northwest, it is still expected to be a powerful storm?with maximum sustained winds of 40 m/s near its center?when it approaches. Okinawa can expect severe weather conditions between the 23rd and 25th. Please remain on alert for hazards such as violent winds, high waves, heavy rain, and rising sea levels caused by storm surges.





A weather front is expected to become stationary near the main island of Honshu. Warm, moist air from Typhoon No. 30 will flow toward this front, leading to frequent cloudy and rainy weather across western and eastern Japan.
Furthermore, the projected path for Typhoon No. 30 indicates a gradual shift toward the northeast from Sunday, the 25th, onwards. As it approaches the vicinity of Honshu, there is a possibility of heavy rainfall across a wide area of ??western and eastern Japan. Please stay tuned for the latest typhoon updates as they become available.

[Typhoon Update] Large and violent Typhoon No. 30 is approaching the Sakishima Islands; Okinawa should be on high alert for severe storms, high waves, and storm surges this weekend.

2026/10/21 07:56

As of 6:00 a.m. today, Wednesday the 21st, Typhoon No. 30 (Champa)?a large and extremely powerful storm?is moving west-northwest east of the Philippines at a speed of 25 km/h.

Typhoon No. 30 ? Wednesday, the 21st, 6:00 a.m.
---------------------------------
Center Location: East of the Philippines
Size: Large
Intensity: Extremely powerful
Movement: West-northwest at 25 km/h
Central Pressure: 900 hPa
Maximum Sustained Wind Speed: 60 m/s (near the center)
Maximum Instantaneous Wind Speed: 85 m/s
---------------------------------



Outlook
The typhoon is expected to move northwest, passing south of Okinawa. It is projected to approach the Sakishima Islands between Friday the 23rd and Saturday the 24th while remaining extremely powerful.

In the Okinawa region, the pressure gradient between a high-pressure system over the continent and the typhoon will increase, leading to stronger winds starting Thursday the 22nd. The Sakishima Islands are expected to experience violent, potentially extreme, winds between Friday the 23rd and Saturday the 24th. Residents in the Okinawa main island region and the Daito Islands region should also exercise caution regarding strong winds. In the Sakishima Islands, extremely rough sea conditions are expected from Friday the 23rd through Saturday the 24th. In the Okinawa main island region and the Daito Islands region, there is also a risk of very rough seas from Wednesday the 21st (the day after tomorrow) through Friday the 23rd, depending on the typhoon's path.
Furthermore, the Sakishima Islands are expected to experience heavy, warning-level rainfall from Friday the 23rd through Saturday the 24th. Please remain on alert for landslides, flooding in low-lying areas, and rising water levels or overflowing of rivers.

Subsequent Path
While there is a high degree of uncertainty regarding its future course, the typhoon is expected to turn eastward over the East China Sea around Sunday the 25th and move toward the vicinity of the Tsushima Strait.
According to the latest forecasts, the typhoon is tracking further east than previously predicted, increasing the likelihood that it will approach the Sea of ??Japan side of the Japanese archipelago.
Please continue to check for the latest typhoon information.

Weather forecast for today, Wednesday the 21st: Rain expected, mainly along the Sea of ​​Japan side from northern to western Japan; unseasonably muggy conditions on the Pacific side.

2026/10/21 06:44

Today, Wednesday the 21st, a stationary front lies across the main island of Honshu, with a low-pressure system moving along it toward northern Japan. This low-pressure system is expected to intensify rapidly as it travels toward the Sea of ??Okhotsk through tomorrow.




South of the front, warm, humid southerly winds are blowing toward the front and the low-pressure system. Across the Pacific-facing regions from western to eastern Japan, it will be more humid and sweltering than yesterday. In some areas, temperatures may reach 30 C or higher?a "midsummer-like" day?potentially setting records for the latest such occurrence since data collection began. Please take appropriate precautions against the heat, such as staying well-hydrated.



By tonight, a pressure pattern characterized by higher pressure to the west and lower pressure to the east will temporarily develop.
Cold air from the north will flow in, leading to significant temperature fluctuations between day and night. In particular, snow is expected in the mountainous areas of Hokkaido, with some locations likely seeing an accumulation of snow by tomorrow.

Across Honshu, rain is expected over a wide area along the Sea of ??Japan coast. In regions such as Tohoku, Hokuriku, and San'in, rainfall may intensify locally, accompanied by thunderstorms. Strong winds will also cause rain to fall sideways; please remain vigilant not only regarding the rainfall itself but also concerning strong winds and high waves along the coast.
Severe weather, including lightning strikes and tornadoes or other intense gusts, may occur. If you notice signs such as the sound of thunder, please take steps to ensure your safety?for example, by seeking shelter inside a sturdy building.



From around midday through the evening, rain is expected in parts of the Tokai, Kinki, and Chugoku regions, and by nightfall, rain may also reach the Kanto region. In areas along the Pacific coast, southerly winds will strengthen; please be cautious of these strong winds, and remain highly alert to the risk of high waves in coastal areas.

Latest 3-month forecast: Temperatures nationwide to be higher than average; the progression of the seasons will be slow.

2026/10/20 22:29

On Tuesday the 20th, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) released its latest three-month weather forecast, outlining expected conditions for the coming three months.



An El Ni?o event?projected to be the strongest on record?is expected to persist through the winter. Sea surface temperatures are forecast to be higher than average across the eastern to central equatorial Pacific and the Indian Ocean, which will likely lead to an increase in the formation of cumulonimbus clouds in these regions. Conversely, fewer cumulonimbus clouds are expected to form near the Philippines.

As a result, the westerly jet stream in the upper atmosphere is likely to flow further south than usual?particularly over the Eurasian continent?and will also track slightly further south and remain relatively weak in the vicinity of Japan. While the Siberian High is expected to be near its typical seasonal strength, the Aleutian Low is projected to be weaker on its western side, leading to weaker seasonal winds around Japan.

Furthermore, due to the combined effects of global warming and the El Ni?o phenomenon, temperatures throughout the atmosphere?especially in the tropics?are expected to be higher than normal. Consequently, Japan is likely to see less impact from cold air masses.

With high-pressure systems tending to develop near the Philippines, warm, moist air from the south will likely flow toward Japan. This will make regions such as the Pacific-facing areas of Northern and Eastern Japan, Western Japan, and the Okinawa/Amami islands more susceptible to the influence of low-pressure systems.



The outlook for the next three months suggests that the entire country will experience minimal impact from cold air, with temperatures expected to remain higher than average. Over the next three months, temperatures in Western and Eastern Japan are expected to be higher than average, while in Northern Japan, they will likely be near or above average; the transition between seasons is expected to be gradual.



Due to the influence of low-pressure systems, precipitation is expected to be above average along the Pacific side of Japan, in Western Japan, and in the Okinawa-Amami region; along the Pacific side of Northern Japan, it is expected to be near or above average. Snowfall along the Sea of ??Japan side of Northern Japan is likely to be near or below average.
From November through December, the influence of low-pressure systems is expected to result in more cloudy or rainy days than usual across the Sea of ??Japan side of Western Japan and the Okinawa-Amami region. Along the Sea of ??Japan side of Northern Japan, there will likely be many days of clouds, rain, or snow, consistent with typical seasonal patterns.
This weather pattern is expected to continue into January, though the Pacific side of Northern Japan will likely see many sunny days, as is typical for that region.



*El Ni?o Phenomenon
A phenomenon in which sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific remain higher than average. It influences global weather patterns and is statistically associated with a tendency for "warm winters and cool summers" in the vicinity of Japan.

Furthermore, in an "El Ni?o Monitoring Bulletin" released by the Japan Meteorological Agency on the 9th of this month, it was noted that sea surface temperatures in the El Ni?o monitoring region reached their highest recorded levels in September. The bulletin forecasts that these temperatures will remain above the baseline through the winter, eventually reaching their peak.