Spotted Across the Skies of Japan
Potential for Thunderstorms and Gusty Winds
"If You Witness It, Check Forecasts and Ensure Safety"
A massive cloud formation has appeared over Japan, causing anxiety among citizens. This cloud, commonly referred to as "Morugureum," can be a precursor to a storm, prompting authorities to urge heightened caution.
On July 23, numerous photos of the cloud rapidly spread across Japanese social networking services (SNS) such as X (formerly Twitter), accompanied by posts like "A massive cloud has covered the sky," "A giant cloud is approaching Shikoku," "It looks as if a disaster could strike at any moment," and "It was as enormous as seeing Mount Fuji." The cloud was observed over a wide area including Shikoku, Kanto, and Tokai, with its size and shape varying by region.
Japanese broadcaster TBS reported, along with submitted photos, that "a large-scale Morugureum was spotted in the skies over Kagawa and Tokushima prefectures in the Shikoku region," adding that "satellite images also captured a cloud mass completely covering the sky above."
Morugureum is a unique type of cloud that forms when cumulonimbus clouds rise to the upper troposphere and, unable to ascend further, spread out horizontally. The name "Morugureum" comes from the Korean word for "anvil," the heavy, solid iron block used in blacksmithing to shape heated metal with a hammer; the cloud spreads wide in the sky, resembling an anvil. These clouds typically form under extremely unstable atmospheric conditions with high heat and humidity. When Morugureum is observed, there is a possibility of severe thunderstorms, heavy downpours, gusty winds, lightning, and even tornadoes.
The U.S. weather media outlet The Weather Channel has warned that "Morugureum is a clear indicator that a storm may be strong or even very severe," and advised that "if this cloud appears, it is best to check weather alerts immediately and evacuate to a safe place." Japanese weather experts have also emphasized that "localized heavy rain or strong winds may occur within a few hours after Morugureum appears," urging people to pay close attention to real-time weather updates and to refrain from outdoor activities.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
