Typhoon 8 Weakens, But Japan Remains On High Alert As Typhoon 7 Closes In
On June 27, at around 9:00 AM, Typhoon No. 8, which had been tracking north off the southern coast of Japan, transitioned into an extratropical cyclone over the ocean east of Japan. Following the news, social media was filled with sighs of relief, with users posting comments such as, "I can breathe easy for now," and "Now I can go ahead with my plans." At the same time, some raised questions about the meteorological shift, wondering what it actually means when a typhoon becomes an extratropical cyclone.
However, meteorologists and weather enthusiasts are warning that "the real danger is just beginning." This is because another storm, Typhoon No. 7, is currently tracking northeast off the coast of Shikoku and is projected to approach or make landfall along the Pacific side of eastern and western Japan from Thursday evening through the night.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), Typhoon No. 7 is forecast to bring extremely heavy rainfall, particularly to the Pacific coastal areas of the Tokai and Kanto-Koshin regions. Reports of flooded roads due to downpours have already emerged in some areas, and authorities are urging extreme vigilance against landslides, flooding of low-lying lands, and overflowing rivers.
Online, many are calling on others to prioritize safety, sharing messages like, "Typhoon 8 may be gone, but the real threat of Typhoon 7 is about to start," and "Avoid non-essential outings and stay safe." Even though one storm has transitioned, residents are urged not to let their guard down and to closely monitor the latest weather updates.
The Context: Japan's Typhoon Season and Terminology
In Japan, typhoons are numbered sequentially as they form each year, rather than being given names. This explains why the article refers to Typhoon No. 7 and Typhoon No. 8. Additionally, the term "extratropical cyclone" (ontai teikiatsu in Japanese) is often misunderstood. When a typhoon is downgraded to an extratropical cyclone, it does not mean it has weakened; rather, its structure has changed as it merges with cold air. This shift can sometimes expand the storm's wind field and trigger torrential rain over an even larger area, which is why experts warn against complacency.
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