Japan's Heatwave Ends as Autumn Rain Front Arrives; Typhoon Soudelor Nears
Listen to the story
Japan's long summer heatwave is coming to an end, as an autumn rain front is now moving into the country. This weather system is expected to bring rain and cooler temperatures to many areas.
At the same time, Typhoon Soudelor, also known as Typhoon No. 18, has been affecting the Okinawa main island and Amami regions. These areas experienced strong, violent winds until around midday on August 26.
In some places, the rain was extremely heavy, described as falling like a waterfall. This kind of intense, localized rain can cause sudden flooding and other dangers.
Weather experts are closely watching the typhoon's path to predict where it will move next. Its future direction remains uncertain, and residents in nearby areas are being told to stay alert.
There is also a chance that another typhoon could form around August 28. Weather simulations for the period between August 27 and September 1 show ongoing rain and wind activity across the region.
Together, these weather events mark a shift in Japan's seasonal pattern, as the intense summer heat gives way to more unstable and rainy conditions typical of early autumn.
Vocabulary7 words
- autumn rain front
- a line of weather that brings rain in autumn
- Typhoon Soudelor
- the name of a specific strong storm
- violent winds
- very strong, dangerous winds
- waterfall
- water falling fast from a high place
- path
- the direction something is moving in
- form
- to start to exist
- simulations
- computer models that show what might happen
Quiz
Answer key
1. An autumn rain front 2. Midday on August 26 3. True
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Japan's long summer heatwave is coming to an end, as an _____ is now moving into the country. This weather system is expected to bring rain and cooler temperatures to many areas.
At the same time, _____, also known as Typhoon No. 18, has been affecting the Okinawa main island and Amami regions. These areas experienced strong, _____ until around midday on August 26.
In some places, the rain was extremely heavy, described as falling like a _____. This kind of intense, localized rain can cause sudden flooding and other dangers.
Weather experts are closely watching the typhoon's _____ to predict where it will move next. Its future direction remains uncertain, and residents in nearby areas are being told to stay alert.
There is also a chance that another typhoon could _____ around August 28. Weather _____ for the period between August 27 and September 1 show ongoing rain and wind activity across the region.
Discussion questions
- How does the change from summer to autumn weather affect daily life in your country?
- Why do you think weather experts closely track a typhoon's path?
- What precautions should people take when a typhoon approaches their area?
- Have you ever experienced extreme localized rain like the one described? What happened?