The heavy rain that caused more than 50 deaths in the Kyushu region moved to central Japan on July 8, prompting highest-level warnings against flooding and landslides in two prefectures.

Heavy rain appears to be intensifying in Japan. The phenomenon is believed to be triggered by an increase in water vapor in the air due to rising sea surface temperatures caused by global warming.

A powerful cold front has brought heavy snowfall along the Sea of Japan coast and to other areas ... coupled with heavy rain last summer. The 24-hour snowfall through early Thursday totaled ...