Bands of heavy rain clouds could form in Niigata, Ishikawa, central Japan

Japanese weather officials say bands of heavy rain clouds could form in the prefectures of Niigata and Ishikawa from Sunday evening through early Monday morning, driving up the risk of disasters.

Localized active rain clouds have developed in southern Hokkaido and Yamagata Prefecture due to warm air flowing into a front moving south over Hokkaido and the Sea of Japan.

Atmospheric conditions are expected to become unstable from the Sea of Japan side of the Tohoku region to the Hokuriku region. Heavy rainfall of 50 millimeters per hour, with lightning, is possible through Monday.

In the 24 hours until Monday noon, up to 150 millimeters of rain is forecast for Niigata Prefecture and 120 millimeters for the Sea of Japan side of Tohoku and Hokuriku.

Last week’s heavy rain has loosened the ground in some areas and even a small amount of rain could amplify the risk of landslides.

The Japan Meteorological Agency is urging people to be on alert for landslides, flooding in low-lying areas, and swelling and overflowing rivers. Weather officials are also calling for caution against lightning and gusty winds, such as tornados.

People are advised to prepare for heavy rain and wind gusts before dark, as rain is expected to intensify at night even in areas that are sunny throughout the day.