Heavy rain, hail and lightning hit Tokyo and surrounding regions as weather warning issued
Heavy rain, hail and lightning have hit Japan’s Kanto region around Tokyo as unstable weather conditions triggered sudden downpours. Authorities have issued heavy rain warnings and cautioned against flooding, landslides and severe storms.
JAPAN: Heavy rain, hail and lightning struck the Kanto region around Tokyo on Friday (12 June 2026), as unstable weather conditions brought sudden downpours to parts of Japan.
The Japan Meteorological Agency said an unusually strong cold air mass moving over northern and eastern Japan has led to highly unstable atmospheric conditions, triggering severe weather across multiple regions.
Intense rainfall recorded in Tokyo area
In the hour up to 2pm, Tokyo’s Fuchu City recorded around 50 millimetres of rain, while Hanno City in neighbouring Saitama Prefecture saw 43 millimetres in the hour ending at 1pm.
Developed rainclouds were reported moving eastward across the region as conditions remained volatile.
Authorities issued level 3 heavy rain warnings for parts of Tokyo, including Tachikawa and Koganei.
Warnings over flooding and sudden storms
The weather agency forecast continued heavy rain from Hokkaido in the north through to the Tokai region in central Japan.
Rainfall of up to 50 millimetres per hour is possible in some areas, with officials warning of flooding in low-lying regions, landslides, and sudden river swelling.
Residents were also advised to remain alert for lightning strikes, hail, strong gusts of wind and possible tornadoes.
Authorities urged people to take shelter in solid buildings if thunderclouds approach, including signs such as sudden cooling winds or distant lightning.
