Unstable atmospheric conditions in southwestern Japan have produced bands of heavy rain clouds in Nagasaki Prefecture.
The Meteorological Agency says warm moist air flowing toward a front in the Sea of Japan has generated rain clouds in Kyushu and other areas.
The town of Nagayo in Nagasaki Prefecture observed 101 millimeters of rain between 6:00 a.m. and 7 a.m. on Thursday.
The agency at 7:00 a.m. issued information on prolonged heavy rain in the prefecture.
Northern Kyushu can expect localized downpours accompanied by thunder through late Thursday.
Similar unstable atmospheric conditions are forecast for the northeastern region of Tohoku in the afternoon.
Parts of northern Kyushu could experience up to 180 millimeters of rain and northern Tohoku 80 millimeters over a 24-hour period through Friday morning.
The Meteorological Agency is asking people to remain alert for landslides, flooding in low-lying areas, swollen rivers, lightning strikes and sudden gusts.