Key Facts
• July 8: Kumamoto experienced record heat, exceeding 38°C in Kikuchi City.
• Evening: Localized rain clouds developed, causing heavy rain and thunderstorms.
• 6:30 PM: Lightning struck approximately 1 km away, captured on camera.
• Kumamoto City: 76 mm of rain fell in one hour by 6 PM, per radar analysis.
• JR Kumamoto Station: All local train services were temporarily suspended.
• Rain leaks occurred inside the station and nearby Higo Yoka Mon Market.
• Some businesses in the market were forced to close due to water damage.
• First significant rainfall in Kumamoto since the end of the rainy season.
• Meteorological proverb “Thunder for three days” suggests continued caution on July 9.
Summary
On July 8, Kumamoto faced a dramatic weather shift from extreme heat to localized heavy rain and thunderstorms. Temperatures exceeded 38°C in Kikuchi City, marking a record high for the season. By evening, intense rain clouds formed, leading to 76 mm of rainfall in one hour in Kumamoto City. Lightning struck near JR Kumamoto Station, where all local train services were temporarily halted, causing significant commuter disruptions. Rain leaks were reported inside the station and the adjacent Higo Yoka Mon Market, forcing some businesses to close. This marked the first substantial rainfall since the rainy season ended. Authorities urge continued vigilance on July 9, following the meteorological saying “Thunder for three days.”
