Disaster weather alerts, including “warnings,” begin adopting a five-level “alert level” system

The Japan Meteorological Agency began attaching five warning levels to disaster weather alerts starting May 29.

The new system makes evacuation timing clearer by showing guidance at Levels 3 and 4.

Level 5 indicates life-threatening danger is imminent, while Level 1 and 2 cover early caution and watchfulness.

The change aims to help residents judge risk earlier and take action based on hazard severity.