A panel of experts at the Japan Meteorological Agency said that global warming likely contributed to the flooding in Japan in July.

Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan and Yamagata Prefecture in the northeast of the country were among areas hit hard last month by torrential rains and flooding.

The experts on extreme weather said climate change is also behind the scorching heatwave hitting the country this summer. They said the amount of water vapor around Japan which causes heavy rains has increased 10 percent over four decades.

They also warn that rising sea temperatures could also bring about powerful typhoons accompanied by downpours.