☀️ This Morning’s Sky in Urasoe, Okinawa, and Signs of the Season
This morning in Urasoe, Okinawa, the weather is sunny with occasional clouds. With temperatures around 30°C and humidity at 76%, the air has that classic midsummer feel. At this time of year in Okinawa, changes in atmospheric pressure often occur as typhoons approach, and people’s physical condition and daily rhythms tend to be affected by the weather. Today, I’ll be documenting a morning scene from Minatogawa and a glimpse into our daily caregiving life. (Weather data: MSN Weather)
🌤️ A Leisurely Morning in Minatogawa and My Mother’s Condition
This morning, looking out from the balcony, I saw clouds drifting by amid the strong sunlight, and a gentle breeze occasionally reached inside the room. While boiling water, I called out to my mother. She responded to my “Wake up~” and slowly got out of bed, but—perhaps because the typhoon is approaching—she kept saying, “I have a headache, I feel sick.” Even though she’s affected by changes in atmospheric pressure every time, I still can’t help but worry.
Breakfast was the usual croissant and coffee. However, today she ate about half of it, took her medicine, and went back to bed. Before a typhoon hits, she tends to suffer from migraines and lose her appetite, so it looks like today will be another day for her to rest.
🛒 Pre-Typhoon Shopping and Okinawa’s “Usual Scene”
My main concern this week is the typhoon forecast to cross the main island of Okinawa. Since it’s approaching while still strong, I’m organizing and restocking our food supplies while keeping the possibility of power outages in mind.
In Okinawa, as a typhoon approaches,
- bread
- instant ramen
- Vegetables
disappear from the shelves in that order. I feel that two days’ worth of supplies should be enough for this typhoon, but figuring out what to prepare that my mother can eat, given her current health, is a constant struggle.
Lately, even with the same ingredients, whether she’ll eat something or not depends heavily on how it’s cooked, so I’ve been spending more days wondering what to make. She’ll say, “Anything is fine,” but then refuse to eat it, or later say, “I would have preferred something else”—these small misunderstandings are part of the daily routine of caregiving.
🌪️ Okinawa’s Urasoe as the Typhoon Approaches | Precautions for Travelers
The weather forecast calls for cloudy skies today, with brief sunny spells in the evening, though clouds are expected to increase again as night falls. Starting tomorrow, wind speeds are expected to pick up, and waves are forecast to grow higher.
The typhoon is expected to pass through Onna Village—an area with many hotels—at dawn. The winds will be so strong that umbrellas will be useless; even with a raincoat, you’re likely to get wet, so it’s safer to avoid going out.
News reports indicate that 224 flights have been canceled, affecting approximately 48,000 people, and travel by car is also expected to be difficult. If you’re staying in Okinawa, it’s safest to adjust your plans and relax at your hotel.
🌱 Seasonal Wisdom: Useful Tips for Mid-Summer Before a Typhoon
During Okinawa’s midsummer, changes in atmospheric pressure before a typhoon can easily disrupt your health, and the elderly in particular are prone to headaches and fatigue. Here are a few seasonal tips for those living in the area or providing care.
Drink small amounts frequently. On days when your appetite is low, sip cold barley tea or sports drinks little by little.
Keep soft foods on hand. On days when you can’t eat bread, chawanmushi (steamed egg custard), soup, and jelly are helpful.
Use an atmospheric pressure change app to predict headaches. If you can anticipate when a headache might strike, it’s easier to prepare medication and meals in advance.
Do your shopping early before a typhoon. The Urasoe and Minatogawa areas tend to get crowded in the afternoon, so it’s safer to go in the morning.
🌺 Summary
In Urasoe, Okinawa, the season leading up to a typhoon is a time when both the sky and people’s health are prone to fluctuations. While keeping an eye on my mother’s health, I’ll continue to take it easy and enjoy life in Minatogawa today. As we prepare for this weekend’s typhoon, I hope you all stay safe as well.
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