Japan plans two-week weather forecasts by 2030

Japan's meteorological agency plans to begin issuing two-week weather forecasts, extending the current seven-day outlook to help prepare for extreme weather, the agency said Wednesday.

An expert report commissioned by the Japan Meteorological Agency said advances in climate observations and simulations made the longer forecast possible and desirable. The agency hopes the change will take effect in 2030.

JMA official Masayuki Kyoda told AFP that longer forecasts with warnings would help preparations for extreme weather seen more often in recent years. He said snow removal staffing can take two weeks to arrange.

Scientists say human-induced climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of dangerous weather in Japan. Japan had its hottest summer on record last year, and torrential rains in the Chiba region this month killed at least 13 people.