[South coast low pressure] Snow in Kanto on the 2nd (Sun)... Snowfall possible even on flat land

2025/01/31 18:30

On Sunday, February 2nd, a low pressure system with a front is expected to move east along the southern coast of Honshu, bringing in cold air.

Snow and rain will fall in the Kanto region, and some areas along the mountains will experience snow.

In some places, snow may accumulate on flat land, and if the ground temperature is lower than expected or the amount of precipitation is heavier than expected, there is a possibility of heavy snowfall that warrants an alert.

In the Kanto region, please be careful and alert for traffic disruptions due to snow accumulation and frozen roads on Sunday, February 2nd.
Also, be careful of collapsed vinyl greenhouses and snow accumulation on overhead wires, power lines, and trees.

If you are traveling by car, please change to snow tires and carry chains. Driving with normal tires is very dangerous.

If the snowfall continues for a long time and accumulates, it may affect transportation, such as train service suspensions and road closures.
If you are planning to travel, please check the latest weather information as well as traffic information.

*Snow forecast (heavy areas)

Expected snowfall in the 24 hours until the evening of the 2nd (Sun)
Plains in northern Kanto 1cm
From Hakone to Tama and Chichibu 7cm
Plains in southern Kanto (Tokyo's 23 wards, etc.) 3cm

Expected snowfall in the 24 hours until the evening of the 3rd (Sun)
Mountains in northern Kanto 5cm
Plains in northern Kanto 3cm
From Hakone to Tama and Chichibu 7cm
Plains in southern Kanto (Tokyo's 23 wards, etc.) 3cm

[This season's strongest and longest cold wave] The effects of the cold could linger in early February... Prepare for heavy snow and low temperatures

2025/01/31 13:45

This year, the 24th solar term "Risshun" period begins on Monday, February 3rd, and spring begins on the calendar.

The strongest cold wave of the season is expected to occur around this time, and its effects are likely to last a long time as it will remain for a long time.

In northern Japan and the Sea of Japan side of the eastern to western sun, please prepare for heavy snow, avalanches, frozen water pipes and power outages due to low temperatures.



The strongest cold air of the season is expected to flow in from the west from around Tuesday, the 4th of next week, and will reach its peak strength from Wednesday, the 5th to Thursday, the 6th.

If there is precipitation at an altitude of around 1,500m, cold air of -6 C or less, which is an indicator of snow on the plains, is expected to move south from Kyushu, and cold air of -12 C or less, which is an indicator of heavy snow on the plains, is expected to move south from Hokuriku, northern Kinki, to Chugoku, Shikoku, and northern Kyushu.

In Western Japan, snow accumulation is possible even in areas that do not usually get much snow.

The cold air will continue to linger and is expected to stay for nearly a week from Sunday the 9th to Monday the 10th.



If strong cold air lingers for a long time, it is possible that lifelines will be affected.
Make sure you are prepared for power outages, frozen water pipes, and water outages.

In addition, the cold weather will affect a wide area for a long period of time, so there are concerns about the impact on transportation.
There is a possibility of significant delays or cancellations on trains, and large-scale strandings and road closures on roads, so it is important to refrain from unnecessary outings and to plan your life and activities with plenty of time in your schedule.

Temperatures in western Japan rise from the previous day, while northern Japan remains cold for this time of year

2025/01/31 06:15

Today, the 31st, the cold air will weaken in western Japan, and many places will see a rise in temperature compared to the previous day, making for relatively comfortable weather.
On the other hand, in northern Japan, where the cold air remains, the cold weather is expected to continue, especially on the Sea of Japan side. Please dress warmly.
Many places in the Kanto region will be exposed to sunlight, and temperatures are expected to be somewhat high for this time of year.

The predicted maximum temperatures are 2 C in Sapporo, 5 C in Sendai, 12 C in Tokyo and Fukuoka, 9 C in Nagoya, 10 C in Osaka, and 11 C in Kochi.
The weather is expected to deteriorate from the west from tomorrow onwards. In sunny areas, it is a good idea to make effective use of the sunshine.

Weather today, Friday the 31st: Snow will ease on the Japan Sea coast north of Hokuriku, while sunshine will reach areas west of Kanto

2025/01/31 05:49

Today, the 31st, the winter pressure pattern will continue in northern Japan. The Japan Sea side will continue to be a day where snow is likely to fall. Western Japan is likely to be covered by high pressure and many sunny areas.



Snow will fall intermittently on the Japan Sea side of northern Japan and in Hokuriku today, and there will be areas where the snow will intensify, especially along the mountains. However, compared to yesterday, the snowfall is expected to weaken and gradually settle down.
In areas where heavy snow has been reported so far, please be careful of snow falling from roofs and avalanches.
The Pacific side of northern Japan will be cloudy and snowy in some places, but the Pacific side of Tohoku and other areas are likely to receive sunlight.

The sun will reach Kanto to Western Japan, and many areas will be sunny.
The temperature is expected to rise in many areas, especially in western Japan, as the cold air weakens. It will feel warmer under the sunshine.

Weather and temperature summary (January 19, 2025 - January 25, 2025) Temperatures rise nationwide, with some areas experiencing cherry blossom-like weather

2025/01/30 19:37

This is a summary of the weather and temperature from January 19th to January 25th, 2025.
The area was easily covered by high pressure, and the cold air above weakened, resulting in unseasonably warm weather nationwide, and in some places it was as warm as cherry blossoms blooming.

[About the weather during this period]
#Characteristics of pressure distribution
On the 19th, the center of the high pressure moved to the sea east of Japan. At noon, a low pressure system formed in the Izu Islands and moved northeast. On the 20th, a low pressure system east of Japan moved northeast. A low pressure system formed south of Japan and moved east. On the 21st, a low pressure system in the sea east of the Kuril Islands moved northeast. Around 9:00 a.m., a low pressure system formed in the sea east of Kanto and moved slowly east. High pressure systems with centers near Primorsky Krai and Central China extended out, each moving southeast. On the 22nd, three low pressure systems moved east over the sea east of Japan. High pressure systems gently covered the area around Japan. On the 23rd, a low pressure system moved east over the Sea of Japan. A low pressure system formed in the East China Sea and moved slowly eastward. High pressure systems centered east of the Kuril Islands and south of Japan moved southeastward. On the 24th, a low pressure system moved slowly east-northeast near the Tsugaru Strait and passed off the southeast coast of Hokkaido. A low pressure system moved east-northeast off the coast of Sanriku. A low pressure system formed in the northern Sea of Japan and moved slowly southward. On the 25th, a low pressure system moved south along the Sea of Japan coast of Tohoku. A front formed south of the Izu Islands and over the east coast of Japan. A low pressure system formed near Okinawa in the early hours of the morning.

#Precipitation
On the 19th, rain fell mainly in the Izu Islands, Shizuoka, and southern Kanto in the afternoon. Somewhat heavy rain fell in the Izu Islands, and the daily precipitation amounted to more than 30 mm on Hachijojima. On the 20th, rain fell in Kanto in the morning due to the influence of a low pressure system that moved east of Kanto. The atmospheric conditions became unstable due to the influence of a low pressure trough above, resulting in localized thunderstorms. On the 21st, rain showers occurred along the Kanto coast in Tohoku and the Pacific coast of eastern Japan due to a low-pressure trough and moist air moving around the edge of a high pressure system. On the 22nd, snow or rain fell on the Sea of Japan side north of Hokuriku due to cold air. The daily precipitation amounted to 38.5 mm in Kakumi, Hakodate City, Hokkaido. On the 23rd, rain or snow fell mainly in Hokuriku and Tohoku due to a low-pressure system moving across the Sea of Japan. Warm air flowed toward the low pressure system, causing rain on the plains. On the 24th, a cold vortex accompanied by cold air below -33 C caused unstable atmospheric conditions mainly on the Sea of Japan side from Hokkaido to Hokuriku. 20cm/3h of snow fell on the shores of Lake Akan in Kushiro City, Hokkaido. On the 25th, a low pressure system accompanied by strong cold air below -36 C passed near Tohoku. Atmospheric conditions became unstable. From Hokkaido to Tohoku and Hokuriku, it was snow and rain

#Temperature
On the 19th, the cold air in the sky retreated northward, and temperatures rose over a wide area. In Kanazawa City, the temperature was 14.4c, which is the same as early April. The number of places with a midwinter day was 86, below 100 for the first time in five days since the 14th. On the 20th, the 24th division of the calendar, "Daikan," fell, but the cold air retreated northward, and temperatures nationwide were the same as in March. There were no midwinter days, and this was the first time this month. On the 21st, strong cold air flowed into Hokkaido and northern Tohoku, and in Sapporo, temperatures were 3.8c lower than the previous day. On the 22nd, the weather from Western Japan to Kanto was unusually warm for midwinter, with 13.4c in central Tokyo and 13.7c in Fukuoka City, which were the same as early March. On the 23rd, warm air flowed in, and temperatures were higher than average nationwide, with Fukuoka and Osaka recording their highest temperatures of the year. On the 24th, as yesterday, temperatures around Honshu were higher than average due to the influence of warm air heading towards the low pressure system, and many places had maximum temperatures similar to those in early to late March. On the 25th, in Western Japan and Eastern Japan, where spring-like weather had continued, temperatures were lower than the previous day as cold air moved south.



#Summary of the weather for this period (January 19th to January 25th)
Average temperatures were higher than average nationwide due to the high pressure system, the number of sunny days, and the inflow of warmer air than average. In particular, temperatures were significantly higher than average in eastern and northern Japan, and in Sapporo they were about +4.6 C higher than average.
There were many days covered by high pressure, and precipitation was significantly less than average south of Tohoku, with many areas seeing no precipitation at all. Meanwhile, low pressure and a low-pressure trough caused heavy rainfall in the Nansei Islands, with Naha receiving more than double the average amount of rain.
The hours of sunshine were longer, especially on the Japan Sea side, as areas were less affected by the cold and received more sunshine. Matsue experienced more sunshine hours than average, making for unseasonably warm weather.

Severe cold across the region in early February. Heavy snowfall on the Japan Sea coast. The strongest cold wave will remain next week. The effects of the storm will be prolonged.

2025/01/30 17:01

Today, January 30th (Thursday), the Japan Meteorological Agency announced its forecast for one month from February 1st to 28th. Temperatures will be quite low throughout the first half of February, and there is a possibility that snowfall will be quite heavy, especially on the Sea of Japan side.
In particular, next week will be an attack of a strong cold wave that occurs only once or twice a decade. It will be very cold nationwide, and there is a possibility of heavy snowfall that will trigger warnings, mainly on the Sea of Japan side.

The average sea level pressure for one month will be low pressure near the Kamchatka Peninsula, while the Siberian high pressure will be strong and extend to the East China Sea, and the winter pressure pattern will intensify around Japan, mainly in the first half of February.
At an altitude of about 1,500 m, Okinawa, Amami, and western to eastern Japan will be covered by areas that are lower than average, and they are likely to be affected by cold air, mainly in the first half of February.



#A sudden change from spring-like weather to extremely cold in the first half of February
In January, temperatures continued to be high, especially in northern Japan, including Hokkaido. There were some places where spring-like weather continued, but spring did not continue like this, and things changed completely in February. Due to the influence of cold air in the first half of February, temperatures over the next month will be lower than average in Okinawa, Amami, and western Japan, and average or lower in eastern Japan. Temperatures are expected to be significantly lower nationwide, especially in the first half of February.



The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued early weather information on low temperatures, stating that the average temperature for the five days from Wednesday, February 5th is likely to be significantly lower than normal in various parts of Okinawa to Tohoku.
In the second half of February, temperatures are expected to be almost normal in Okinawa, Amami and western Japan, and normal to higher than normal in eastern to northern Japan.

#Winter pressure pattern strengthens Heavy snowfall possible mainly on the Sea of Japan side
Due to the period when winter pressure patterns will strengthen, precipitation will be normal or higher over the next month on the Sea of Japan side of western to northern Japan, and sunshine hours will be normal or lower over the next month.
In addition, snowfall over the next month on the Sea of Japan side of western to eastern Japan is expected to be normal or higher.
In particular, there is a risk of significant snowfall in the first half of February, mainly in the Sea of Japan side of western to northern Japan.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has announced early weather information regarding heavy snow, stating that there is a high possibility that snowfall will be significantly higher than average over the five days from around Wednesday, February 5th in the San'in to Tohoku Sea of Japan sides, mountainous areas of Gifu Prefecture, northern Nagano Prefecture, and northern Gunma Prefecture.



In particular, around Tuesday, February 4th next week, a low pressure system will develop to the east of Japan and move north, and strong cold air will flow into the skies above Japan around Thursday, the 6th, creating a strong winter-type pressure pattern. This strong winter-type pressure pattern is expected to continue for several more days after that.
An intense cold wave that only occurs once or twice a decade will hit and remain for a long time.
There is a risk of rough weather and heavy snow, especially on the Sea of Japan side.
Large-scale traffic jams and other traffic disruptions may occur, and the impact on transportation may be prolonged.
Please prepare for heavy snow and cold this weekend.

Low pressure system along the southern coast brings snow to Tokyo this weekend After that, a once-in-a-few-years intense cold wave will have a prolonged impact

2025/01/30 16:54

Even in the Kanto-Koshin region, where there are many sunny winter days, caution and vigilance against snow and cold is required for the next week.



#Snowfall surges in Nagano Prefecture and northern Kanto
A winter-type atmospheric pressure pattern is in place around Japan, and cold air below -9 C is flowing in at about 1,500m above eastern Japan.
In the Kanto-Koshin region, snow has been falling on and off since yesterday, the 29th (Wednesday), mainly along the northern mountains, and snowfall has been rising rapidly in some areas.
In Otari, Otari Village, Nagano Prefecture, the snow depth was 86cm at 5 a.m. yesterday, the 29th (Wednesday), before the precipitation began, but by 2 a.m. today, the 30th (Thursday), it had increased to 128cm, exceeding 1m.
In Fujiwara, Minakami Town, Gunma Prefecture, as of 11 a.m. today, the 30th (Thursday), 24cm of snow had fallen in 24 hours, and the current snow depth is 128cm.



The winter pressure pattern will continue until tomorrow, Friday the 31st, so in Nagano Prefecture and northern Kanto, there will be heavy snowfall in the early hours of tomorrow, Friday the 31st. In Nagano Prefecture and northern Kanto, please be careful and alert for traffic disruptions due to snow accumulation and frozen roads. Also, be careful of avalanches.

#Setsubun on the weekend, Sunday the 2nd - Snow in the city
On the weekend, February 1st (Sat) to 2nd (Sun), a low pressure system will move east along the southern coast of western to eastern Japan, and the weather will decline from the west. Rain and snow are expected to fall even in the Kanto-Koshin region, which has many winter clear skies.
On Sunday the 2nd, Setsubun, some areas in the Kanto region will see rain starting to fall on the coast in the early hours.
At dawn, snow and sleet are expected to begin falling in some areas in southern Kanto. At the time of the start of the rain, the cold air at the bottom is strong, and the cold air above is still present, so snow and sleet will begin to fall in many areas, including in urban areas.



After that, the ground temperature will be low toward the morning, and cold air will flow in from the north toward the low pressure system, so snow is expected to fall in some areas, mainly inland.
During the day, warm air will prevail, and snow will turn to rain in the plains. In the mountains of Kanto and Koshin, snow is expected to continue falling, and some areas will see an increase in snowfall.
The area where snow and rain fall and the time it falls will vary greatly depending on the course and development of the low pressure system, and how the cold air flows in.
Please pay attention to the latest information.

#The beginning of spring cold wave Heavy snow in Kanto Koshin
On the 3rd (Monday), the beginning of spring, another low pressure system will move eastward along the Sea of Japan and the east of Japan, and there will be sudden rain in Kanto.
After the low pressure system moves, the pressure distribution will become winter-type on the 4th (Tuesday), and the winter pressure distribution is expected to strengthen from the 5th (Wednesday) to the 6th (Thursday). Cold air below -12c will flow into about 1500m above eastern Japan.
A strong cold wave that only occurs once or twice a decade will hit and is likely to remain for a long time.



Heavy snowfall of warning level will occur mainly on the Sea of Japan side, and snow may intensify in Nagano Prefecture and the mountainous areas of northern Kanto. Even if it's sunny in southern Kanto, it will be as cold as midwinter. The maximum temperature in the city center on the 6th (Thursday) is expected to be 8 C, lower than the coldest period, and the minimum temperature will be -1 C. The effects of the intense cold wave are likely to be prolonged, so please prepare early for heavy snow and cold in the Kanto-Koshin region.

[Snow in Southern Kanto] Check the latest information on the possibility of snow in Tokyo on Setsubun, February 2nd

2025/01/30 15:12

Over the weekend, February 1st (Sat) to 2nd (Sun), a low pressure system is expected to move east along the southern coast of western to eastern Japan.
The weather will be deteriorating from the west, and even the Pacific coast, where winter skies are common, will experience rain or snow.



On Setsubun Day, the 2nd (Sun), some areas in the Kanto region will experience rain or snow before the approach of a low pressure system on the southern coast.
On the 2nd (Sun), winds will collide off the coast of Tokai and Kanto, and clouds that have formed over the sea will flow in from the coastal areas.
After that, as the low pressure system on the southern coast approaches, it is expected that clouds will cover a wide area in the Kanto-Koshin region, and more areas will experience rain or snow.



In the early hours of the morning, rain will begin to fall in some areas along the coast of southern Kanto.
At dawn, snow is expected to begin to fall in some areas of southern Kanto, except in coastal areas. When it starts to snow, the cold air at the bottom is strong, and the cold air above is still there, so it will start to snow and sleet in many places, including in the city center.
After that, the ground temperature will be low through the morning, and cold air will flow in from the north toward the low pressure system, so it is expected that snow will fall in some areas, mainly inland areas.
During the day, warm air will prevail, and snow will change to rain in the plains.
In the mountains of Kanto and Koshin, snow is expected to continue falling and the amount of snow to increase in some areas.

The area where snow and rain will fall and the duration of snowfall will vary greatly depending on the course and development of the low pressure system, and how the cold air flows in.
The snowfall may last longer and the area where snow accumulates may expand, so please continue to pay attention to the latest information.

The "spring cold wave" could be the strongest and biggest this season. Could it be on par with the cold that caused snowfall in Okinawa and Amami in 2016

2025/01/30 13:01

Next week, February 3rd (Monday) is the beginning of spring.

According to the calendar, it will be spring, but contrary to the calendar, there is a possibility that the strongest and largest cold wave of this season will hit from the 4th (Tuesday).




Before the beginning of spring cold wave arrives, from February 1st (Saturday) to 2nd (Sunday), a low pressure system will pass along the southern coast of Honshu, and rain and snow are expected to fall widely on the Pacific side of western to eastern Japan.


For now, it is raining along the coast and snowing in many inland areas, and there is a high possibility of snow falling in urban areas such as Tokyo in the morning of the 2nd (Sunday).

Inland areas will continue to snow in the afternoon, and there is a possibility of heavy snowfall,
In coastal areas such as central Tokyo,
rain is expected to gradually change to rain in the afternoon.

However, depending on the development and course of the low pressure system, the wind direction, and the strength of the cold air,
the forecast may change significantly.

If you have important plans such as taking an exam, please act with plenty of time and
pay close attention to the latest snow information.


After that, a cold wave is expected to hit the area around the 4th (Tuesday), which marks the beginning of spring.




Looking at the forecast for cold air in the sky from Tuesday the 4th to Friday the 7th,
if it falls, it is expected to completely cover the plains with cold air that will cause snow (yellow line: below -6 C at around 1,500m above sea level).

Furthermore, even stronger cold air that will bring heavy snow (purple area: below -12 C)
will flow into Western Japan and the Tokai region from Wednesday the 5th to Friday the 7th, and may remain there for a long time.

Looking at the cold air above Cape Shionomisaki,
purple: cold air below -12 C will flow in around Thursday the 6th.

Recently, the temperature above Shionomisaki has been minus 12 degrees Celsius twice, on January 24, 2018 and January 24, 2016.

The cold wave predicted this time is indeed strong enough to occur once or twice a decade.

The cold wave on January 24, 2016 brought snow and sleet to Okinawa and Amami, and was so strong that it was the first snowfall in 115 years in Naze, Kagoshima Prefecture.


Next week's cold wave will be the strongest and largest this season, and may last for a long time.

We will need to prepare for heavy snow and cold for a long period of time next week.

Beware of continued sudden snowfall from the Sea of ??Japan side of Hokkaido to Hokuriku

2025/01/30 07:59

Today, the 30th (Thursday), the pressure distribution around Honshu will continue to be winter-like, as it was yesterday. Cold air below -9 C, which is the benchmark for snow on flat land, will flow in at about 1,500m above sea level.



Due to the influence of the Japan Sea Polar Air Mass Convergence Zone (JPCZ), an area where northerly and westerly winds collide and snow clouds develop from the western Sea of Japan to the Hokuriku region, snow clouds that have developed from Tohoku to Hokuriku will flow in intermittently. The snow is expected to intensify, especially along the mountains, and snow is expected to accumulate on flat land as well. There is a risk of a sudden increase in snowfall in similar areas.

In addition, snow clouds are expected to develop intermittently near the shear line, an area where northerly winds and northwesterly winds collide, on the Sea of Japan side of Hokkaido. Due to the narrow spacing of the isobars and strong winds, the snow will intensify, mainly in the Kamikawa and Rumoi regions, and there will be some blizzards.

#Snow forecast
The amount of snowfall in the 24 hours until 6:00 a.m. tomorrow, the 31st, will be heavy in some areas,

Hokkaido region: 50 cm
Tohoku region: 80 cm
Northern Kanto region: 40 cm
Koshin region: 40 cm
Hokuriku region: 70 cm
Tokai region: 50 cm


Please continue to be on alert for traffic disruptions due to heavy snow, snow falling from roofs, avalanches, and power outages due to snow accumulating on power lines.