Longest Rainfall Streak Recorded in Central Tokyo—34 Consecutive Days

A depression that formed in the coastal area of Myanmar and near the Northeast Bay of Bengal will begin to weaken. According to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), over the last six hours, the system has moved in a north-northwest direction at a speed of about 13 kilometers per hour. Initially, this system was located near Mindat in Myanmar.

Previously, the system was located approximately 140 kilometers southeast of Chittagong in Bangladesh, 250 kilometers east-southeast of it, 310 kilometers southeast of Lengpui in Mizoram, and 370 kilometers south of Imphal in Manipur. IMD predicts that the system will continue to move in the same direction and gradually weaken.

Over the next twelve hours, this depression is expected to weaken and transform into a well-defined low-pressure area. After that, it will continue moving in a north-northwest direction. Over the subsequent twenty-four hours, the system may reach the southeastern part of Bangladesh and the vicinity of Myanmar, after which further intensity reduction is expected.

Even after weakening, the system may continue to move in the southeastern parts of Bangladesh and Myanmar. Its trajectory may also lead it towards Mizoram and Tripura, and its influence may persist in the Northeast Bay of Bengal region. Previously, on September 29, the system's speed was about 32 kilometers per hour during the day, and then slowed down to about 13 kilometers per hour by 23:30.

According to an official IMD statement dated September 29, 2026, the depression over coastal Myanmar and the adjacent Northeast Bay of Bengal and southeastern Bangladesh was moving in a north-northwest direction at a speed of 13 km/h over the last six hours. It was centered at 23:30 IST on September 29, 2026, in this region, near Mindat (Myanmar), approximately 140 km southeast of Hakhi (Myanmar), 250 km east-southeast of Chittagong (Bangladesh), 310 km southeast of Lengpui (Mizoram, India), and 370 km south of Imphal (Manipur, India). It is highly likely that over the next 12 hours, it will continue to move in a north-northwest direction and weaken into a well-defined low-pressure area over coastal Myanmar and the adjacent areas of southeastern Bangladesh and the Northeast Bay of Bengal.

After this, the system is likely to continue its movement in a north-northwest direction towards southeastern Bangladesh and adjacent areas of Myanmar, Mizoram, Tripura, and the Northeast Bay of Bengal, gradually weakening over the following 24 hours.

Due to this weather system, conditions in the Bay of Bengal may change. IMD warns of the possibility of rain and thunderstorms in some areas of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as well as possible precipitation in the coastal areas of West Bengal. The meteorological department is also monitoring sea conditions, noting that swell waves of 1.1 to 2 meters may rise in the Andaman Sea by the night of September 30.

According to IMD forecasts, there is no probability of further intensification of this depression; it will weaken while moving in a north-northwest direction. It is expected to transform into a low-pressure area within the next 12 hours, after which the system will head towards the regions of Myanmar, southeastern Bangladesh, Mizoram, and Tripura. The meteorological department is continuously tracking its direction and strength.

The South African Weather Service has issued Level 2 yellow warnings for severe thunderstorms across the provinces of Gauteng, parts of the North West, and Limpopo for Wednesday. Residents in various parts of the country will face another period of adverse weather, including strong thunderstorms, damaging winds, and the risk of flooding in central areas.

Simultaneously, the extreme fire danger level remains high in certain sectors of the Western and Northern Cape.

For Wednesday, September 30th, the South African Weather Service announced a Level 2 yellow warning for severe thunderstorms over Gauteng, central Eastern North West, and central and western Limpopo. Heavy rain, strong destructive winds, hail, and excessive lightning are expected. Meteorologists warn that the storms could lead to localized flooding on vulnerable roads, low-lying areas, and bridges, as well as damage to settlements and infrastructure.

Precipitation forecasts indicate a 60% probability of scattered rain and thunderstorms in many areas of Gauteng, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga. In some parts of the North West and KwaZulu-Natal, the probability of isolated rain and thunderstorms is 30%, and isolated rains are also expected along the East Cape coast.

Gauteng prepares for cold and stormy conditions

Wednesday in Gauteng is expected to bring cloudiness and cold, accompanied by scattered rain and thunderstorm showers. The province is under a Level 2 yellow severe thunderstorm warning, putting residents at risk of heavy downpours, hail, damaging winds, and excessive lightning. Drivers are strongly advised to exercise extra caution where heavy rain affects roads, as localized flooding is possible in vulnerable spots.

Cold and humid conditions for Limpopo and Mpumalanga

Limpopo is expected to be cloudy and cold, with scattered rain and thunderstorm showers. The severe thunderstorm warning applies to the central and western parts of the province. Mpumalanga may also expect an unsettled day with cloudy and cold to very cold weather, accompanied by scattered rain and thunderstorm showers. The probability of precipitation across the province is forecast at around 60%.

The North West will be cloudy, windy, and cold to cool before becoming partly cloudy. Scattered rain and thunderstorm showers are expected, with the central and eastern parts included in the Level 2 yellow warning.

Destructive winds threaten the East Cape coast

A separate Level 2 yellow warning for destructive winds has been issued for the municipalities of Nelson Mandela Bay, Buffalo City, as well as the municipalities of Ndlambe Valley, Ngqushwa, and Sandayrs River. These winds may cause localized damage to settlements, disrupt beach activities, and create difficult navigation conditions.

The western half of the East Cape will be partly cloudy in the south early in the day, then become clear and cool to warm. The eastern half will be cloudy along the coast initially, with rain expected east of the Kei River, after which the weather will become clear and cool elsewhere.

Free State will be cool with scattered storms

East Free State will first be cloudy, then become partly cloudy, windy, and cold to cool. Isolated or scattered rain and thunderstorm showers are forecast, except in the southeastern parts of the province. KwaZulu-Natal may experience morning fog inland, followed by cloudy and cool to cold conditions. Isolated rain and precipitation are forecast, corresponding to approximately a 30% probability in affected areas.

Fire danger and extreme heat in the west

While the northeastern inland areas face storms and cold weather, parts of the western region face a completely different threat. For the municipalities of Matzikama, Cederberg, and Bergrivier in the Western Cape, as well as Camiesberg in the Northern Cape, extremely high fire danger is forecast. Very hot and uncomfortable conditions are also expected in Camiesberg.

Otherwise, the Western Cape will be clear and warm to hot, becoming very hot over the West Coast district. The UV index in the province is expected to be very high. The Northern Cape will be partly cloudy in the northeast, where isolated rain and thunderstorms are possible, but otherwise, the weather will be clear, windy, and cool to warm. Patches of morning fog are expected along the coast.