Fukue Island: The Heart of the Gotō Archipelago
Fukue Island (Fukue-jima) stands as the largest and southernmost landmass within the Gotō Islands of Japan. Located in the Nagasaki Prefecture, it serves as a primary hub for the region and is part of the city of Gotō. The island is well-connected to the mainland via the Gotō-Fukue Airport. As of July 31, 2016, the island supported a population of 38,481 residents.
Key Facts
- Location: Southernmost and largest of the Gotō Islands, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan.
- Population: 38,481 (as of July 31, 2016).
- Transport: Home to the Gotō-Fukue Airport.
- Climate Type: Humid subtropical (Köppen Cfa).
- Annual Rainfall: Average of 2,338.8 mm.
Climate and Weather Patterns
Fukue is characterized by a Köppen Cfa climate, which refers to a humid subtropical environment. This results in generally warm temperatures and significant precipitation throughout the year. Summers are typically hot and oppressively humid, while winters remain cool and wet. Due to its southerly latitude, snowfall is practically non-existent during the winter months.
Despite the lack of snow, winter weather can be notably gloomy. This is caused by cold water transported south from the Sea of Okhotsk by the eastern side of the Siberian High, creating conditions similar to the "San'in" coast stretching from Hagi to Wakkanai.
Typhoons and Extreme Precipitation
Like much of the Kyūshū region, Fukue and the surrounding Gotō Islands are susceptible to typhoons during the summer and autumn. These storms can bring extreme rainfall; for instance, 433.5 millimetres (17.1 in) was recorded on July 7, 1987, and 432.5 millimetres (17.0 in) on September 10, 2005. The wettest month on record was July 1987, with 872 millimetres (34 in) of rain, while the driest was November 1971, with only 3.5 millimetres (0.1 in).
Climate Data Summary
The following table provides the average meteorological data for Fukue based on records from 1991 to 2020.
| Metric | Winter (Jan) | Spring (Apr) | Summer (Jul) | Autumn (Oct) | Annual Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Daily Max Temp (°C) | 10.8 | 19.1 | 29.4 | 23.4 | 20.5 |
| Daily Mean Temp (°C) | 7.6 | 14.9 | 26.2 | 19.5 | 17.0 |
| Mean Daily Min Temp (°C) | 4.2 | 10.4 | 23.6 | 15.7 | 13.1 |
| Average Rainfall (mm) | 93.4 | 216.1 | 308.8 | 132.7 | 2,338.8 |
| Relative Humidity (%) | 66 | 75 | 81 | 70 | - |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest island in the Gotō Islands?
Fukue Island (Fukue-jima) is the largest and southernmost island in the Gotō archipelago.
Does it snow on Fukue Island?
Snowfall is practically non-existent on Fukue Island due to its southerly latitude.
How is the weather during the winter months?
Winters are cool and wet. The weather can be very gloomy due to cold water transported from the Sea of Okhotsk by the Siberian High.
Is Fukue Island prone to natural disasters?
Yes, Fukue and the other Gotō Islands are prone to typhoons during the summer and autumn, which can lead to extreme daily rainfall.
Where is the main airport located for the island?
The Gotō-Fukue Airport is located on Fukue Island.