A large and powerful typhoon is expected to approach the Okinawa region in southwestern Japan from Wednesday, unleashing strong gusts of wind, high waves and heavy rain.

Japan's Meteorological Agency says Typhoon Mawar has been showing sluggish movement over the sea south of Okinawa as of Tuesday afternoon.

The storm has a central barometric pressure of 950 hectopascals. It was packing winds of up to 144 kilometers per hour near its center and gusts of up to 216 kilometers per hour.

Okinawa's Sakishima Islands are already experiencing strong winds.

The typhoon is expected to approach the Sakishima Islands on Wednesday before moving closer to Okinawa's main island from Thursday through Saturday.

Maximum wind speeds of 90 kilometers per hour and gusts of 126 kilometers per hour are forecast for Wednesday in the region.

On Thursday, maximum wind speeds are expected to range from 108 to 144 kilometers per hour and gusts are forecast to reach 144 to 216 kilometers per hour.

Seas have already turned turbulent. Waves as high as 9 meters are expected in the Okinawa region from Wednesday through Thursday. They will likely reach 8 meters in the Amami region of Kagoshima Prefecture.

The Okinawa region is forecast to have localized downpours on Wednesday. The rain could reach levels heavy enough to trigger warnings persisting until around Saturday.

Stormy conditions will likely linger as the typhoon is slow-moving.

Meteorological Agency officials are urging people to be on alert for gusts, high waves and torrential rains.

Although Japan's main island of Honshu is situated far from the typhoon's path, caution is advised due to the possibility of heavy rain.

Moist air from the typhoon flowed toward the seasonal rain front on Tuesday, resulting in unstable atmospheric conditions mainly in western Japan and triggering downpours in Kyushu and other areas.

Meteorological officials announced on Tuesday that the rainy season appears to have begun in southern Kyushu.

Unstable atmospheric conditions caused by cold air overhead have also affected Hokkaido.

Officials said tornadoes appear to have formed in the Tokachi region.

The seasonal rain front is expected to remain stationary, possibly bringing more heavy rain to western and eastern Japan from Friday through Saturday.

Officials are advising people to stay updated on weather bulletins and remain aware of any risks in their vicinity, whether near their homes or workplaces.