Japanese weather officials are forecasting extremely heavy rain with thunder in western and eastern parts of the country through Saturday due to the effects of a low pressure system and weather front.



The meteorological agency says the front brought rainfall to wide areas in western Japan on Friday. The agency says rain clouds have developed over some parts of the Kyushu region.



As of 6 p.m. on Friday, extremely heavy rain of 50.5 millimeters per hour fell in Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture, and 32.5 millimeters per hour in Imari City, Saga Prefecture.



The low pressure system also brought strong winds to western Japan.



In the three-hour period through 6 p.m., a maximum instantaneous wind speed of about 96 kilometers per hour was recorded in Higashikagawa City, Kagawa Prefecture.



Localized downpours of more than 50 millimeters per hour with thunder will likely hit western Japan through Saturday morning, and some parts of eastern Japan on the Pacific coast side through Saturday afternoon as the front moves eastward.



Weather officials say warning-level torrential rain may fall if rain clouds develop more than expected or they remain stationary.



They are calling on people to be on a heightened alert for mudslides, flooding in low-lying areas and swollen rivers. Caution is also advised against lightning strikes, gusts, and strong winds such as tornadoes.