Rain clouds may bring downpours to northern Kyushu

Japanese weather officials say bands of rain clouds will likely form over northern Kyushu and neighboring Yamaguchi Prefecture on Monday morning, bringing torrential rain to the region.

The Meteorological Agency says warm and damp air is flowing toward a seasonal rain front over Japan. Unstable atmospheric conditions are expected to continue in western and eastern Japan on Monday, bringing localized downpours and thunderstorms.

Landslide alerts have been issued for some parts of Kagoshima and Fukuoka prefectures. Rainfall has sharply increased the risk of landslides in those areas. Rivers may overflow in some parts of Saga Prefecture.

Bands of heavy rain clouds are expected to develop over the western prefectures of Fukuoka, Saga, Oita, Kumamoto, Nagasaki and Yamaguchi on Monday. The risk of disasters could increase sharply if torrential rains continue.

During the 24-hour period through Tuesday morning, up to 180 millimeters of rain is forecast for northern Kyushu, 150 millimeters for southern Kyushu, and 80 millimeters for the Chugoku and Kinki regions.

The Meteorological Agency is warning of mudslides, floods and swollen and overflowing rivers. People are also urged to stay alert for lightning strikes, gusts and hail.