Record downpours have caused landslides and flooding in parts of Tochigi and Gunma prefectures, north of Tokyo.
Moist air flowing into the areas kept rain clouds stationary from Friday evening to early Saturday morning, resulting in record-breaking rainfall that exceeded the initial forecast.
In Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture, a record 232.5 millimeters of rain fell during a 12-hour period through past 2 a.m. on Saturday. The amount was nearly 1.4 times the average total rainfall for the entire month of July.
Due to the inflow of moist air and rising temperatures, localized heavy rain accompanied by lightning could hit the northern Kanto region again on Sunday afternoon.
Meanwhile, Hokkaido and the Tohoku region may be hit by intermittent heavy rain through Monday as a front and a low-pressure system approach there.
In the 24 hours through Sunday evening, precipitation could reach 150 millimeters in Hokkaido and 80 millimeters in Tohoku.
The Japan Meteorological Agency is calling for caution against landslides, swollen rivers and flooding in low-lying areas.
AloJapan.com