Typhoon Mekkhala and Higos: Threat of Heavy Rain and Strong Winds to Japan
On June 23, 2026, at 3 p.m. local time, the very strong Typhoon Mekkhala (Typhoon No.7) was located east of the Philippines and began moving north. This typhoon is expected to bring bad weather to Okinawa at the end of the week. In addition, the presence of the rain front (rainy season) and the newly formed Typhoon Higos (Typhoon No.8) this morning will cause heavy rain, especially in western Japan. Residents are advised to prepare early.
Current Status of Typhoon Mekkhala
On June 23, at 3 p.m., Typhoon Mekkhala was located east of the Philippines with very strong strength. It was moving northwest at a speed of 10 km/h, with a central pressure of 925 hPa, maximum wind speed of 50 m/s (near the center), and maximum gusts of 70 m/s. This typhoon is expected to move slowly and undergo a directional change known as 'looping' within the next 24 hours. On June 25, it is expected to turn north and slightly east, approaching the main Okinawa Islands around June 26. From June 27 to 28, it is likely to move eastward south of the Honshu waters. However, the forecast circle is still large, causing high uncertainty, especially regarding the path.
Threat of Heavy Rain Before the Typhoon Arrives
Typhoon Mekkhala is expected to approach the Sakishima Islands and the main Okinawa Islands while still carrying a stormy wind area. If the typhoon passes near the islands, the wind and rain will become stronger, causing significant impacts. After that, the typhoon may affect western and eastern Japan. The very humid air around the typhoon will flow towards the stationary rain front, making the rain front more active. Rain will fall continuously until the typhoon passes, increasing the total amount of rainfall.
By the evening of June 26, the rainfall in the wide area from Kyushu to Kinki is expected to reach about 300 mm, and locally could reach 500 mm. After such heavy rain, the typhoon will approach, increasing the risk of landslides, river flooding, and low-lying area flooding. Early preparation is important.
Typhoon Higos: Rapid Movement Northward
Typhoon Higos (Typhoon No.8) on June 23, at 3 p.m., was located in the Mariana Islands, moving west at 15 km/h with a central pressure of 1004 hPa, maximum wind of 18 m/s, and gusts of 25 m/s. The forecast shows that this typhoon will move northwest, then turn northeast and continue north by June 26. After that, it will turn east, passing through a deeper path than Typhoon Mekkhala, and leaving Honshu earlier. At this time, the forecast indicates a high probability that it will pass slightly south of the Izu Islands, but if it takes a more northern route, it may affect the Izu Islands and the Kanto coastal areas. Therefore, attention to the latest information is needed.
Probability of Entering the Storm Wind Area
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the probability of entering the typhoon's storm wind area within 5 days is as follows (≥20%):
- Chiba: 20%
- Tokyo (Northern Izu Islands): 20%, Southern: 25%
- Shizuoka: 21%
- Mie: 24%
- Nara: 22%
- Wakayama: 25%
- Kochi: 21%
- Miyazaki: 23%
- Kagoshima (Satsuma-Osumi): 24%, Tanegashima-Yakushima Islands: 32%, Amami: 45%
- Okinawa (Main Islands): 50%, Miyako Islands: 37%
Origin of Typhoon Names
The names of typhoons in the Western Pacific and South China Sea are set by the International Typhoon Committee. There are 140 names proposed by member countries, used in the order of occurrence. Typhoon Mekkhala comes from Thailand, meaning "thunder angel." Typhoon Higos comes from the United States, meaning "fig."
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*Original source: [weathernews.jp](https://weathernews.jp/news/202606/230131/)*