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Now that it is July, and the hot summer weather has arrived, there is an increased chance that strong wind and rainstorms will occasionally occur.  The largest and most well-known storms are called "Typhoons" (台風), which are Asia's version of hurricanes or cyclones.  Typhoons form well to the south of the Japanese islands, and then slowly head north, usually increasing in size and intensity along the way.  They are closely tracked by Japanese and international weather-watchers, so there is plenty of advance warning before they arrive.  Of note, not all typhoons make landfall in Japan, and only a small number actually hit or come near to the Yokosuka City & Miura Peninsula areas.  In any case, as typhoon information is reported, it is a good idea to pay attention and make preparations as necessary (for more information, see the link below).  There is also another type of hot weather rainstorm which develops locally, over land, usually in the afternoons -- called: "Guerilla Thunderstorm" (ゲリラ豪雨, Ge-ri-ra Go-u).  The reason is it called "Guerilla" is because the storm can "attack" suddenly, without much warning, and is hard to predict.  These storms can be pretty powerful, with heavy rains, strong winds, hail, and sometimes even tornadoes.  The good news is that there are a number of Japanese weather APPs which can be used to monitor & track Guerilla Thunderstorms (see link at bottom).  IMPORTANT NOTE: If your house or apartment is equipped with shutters (雨戸, Ama-do), they should be closed to cover the doors or windows and thereby help to prevent broken glass or rainwater flooding into the rooms.  One good thing about thunderstorms is that they can cause a quick drop in temperature, wetting & cooling down an otherwise hot, dry and uncomfortable summer afternoon.  We hope you can stay prepared for the variable weather, while enjoying summertime in Japan.  

Written by Goodfield

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LINK:

Yokosuka Navy Base Typhoon Readiness Information

https://cnrj.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/CFA-Yokosuka/Operations-and-Management/Emergency-Management/Tropical-Cyclone-Condition-of-Readiness/

Japanese Weather/Storm Tracking APPs

https://igni7e.com/blog/weather-forecast-apps-in-japan