Japan on High Alert as 'Double Typhoons' Mekkhala and Newly Formed Higos Approach

At 9:00 AM on June 23, 2026, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) announced that Typhoon No. 8, named “Higos,” has formed near the Mariana Islands. With the very strong Typhoon No. 7, “Mekkhala,” already charting a northward course, the emergence of this new storm has rapidly heightened vigilance over a potential “double typhoon” threat to the Japanese archipelago.

Typhoon Higos is projected to gradually shift its trajectory northward, advancing toward the waters south of Honshu ahead of Typhoon Mekkhala. The storm is expected to approach the Izu and Ogasawara Islands around June 27, requiring close attention as the weekend approaches. The name “Higos” was submitted by the United States and means “fig” in Chamorro.

Meanwhile, the parallel storm, Typhoon Mekkhala, continues to maintain its formidable strength, packing a central atmospheric pressure of 925 hPa and maximum instantaneous wind gusts of up to 70 m/s. It is forecast to draw near the Okinawa region between June 25 and 27, before tracking north to potentially approach mainland Honshu, including the Kanto and Tokai regions, around June 28.

Meteorological experts warn that the simultaneous approach of two major storms could heavily stimulate the seasonal rain front, causing it to become highly active. Even in areas spared a direct hit, the risk of torrential rain, violent winds, and high waves triggered by the front will spike. “Do not let your guard down just because a direct hit is avoided,” one expert urged. “Please exercise maximum caution against heavy rains fueled by the active weather front.”

On social media, anxiety is rising regarding the status of music festivals, outdoor events, and fan meetings scheduled for the upcoming weekend. Anyone planning to go out is strongly advised to keep a close eye on the latest weather updates and warnings, prioritizing safety in their actions.

The Context: Japan’s Seasonal Rain Front and Typhoon Interactions

In Japan, late spring to mid-summer (typically June to July) is characterized by the baiu (rainy season) front, a stationary weather front that hovers over the country, bringing prolonged periods of rain. When a tropical cyclone or typhoon approaches during this period, it acts like a giant pump, feeding vast amounts of warm, humid air into the seasonal front. This interaction can trigger catastrophic, localized downpours far ahead of the typhoon itself, making the weather front incredibly dangerous even in regions hundreds of kilometers away from the storm center.

Additionally, typhoons in the Western Pacific are tracked by regional numbers in Japan (such as Typhoon No. 7 and No. 8) but are also assigned international names contributed by members of the ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee. In this case, “Mekkhala” was contributed by Thailand, while “Higos” is a Chamorro word for “fig,” contributed by the United States.