High sea surface temperatures continue off the coast of Sanriku, up to 7 C higher than average - Ocean Summary (November 24th - November 30th, 2024)

2024/12/04 00:43

The sea surface temperature around Japan continues to be high.
In particular, off the coast of Sanriku, where the Kuroshio Current moves north, it was significantly higher than average, up to 7 C higher.

A summary of the ocean from January 24 to November 30, 2024.



#Pressure distribution and waves
On the 24th and 25th, the continental high pressure moved to the Sea of Japan. The pressure distribution of high pressure in the west and low pressure in the east gradually relaxed. South of Okinawa and south to east of Japan, strong winds circling the edge of the high pressure caused high waves, and on the 24th, it was rough off the coast of Sanriku. Around the low pressure near the Kuril Islands, it gradually became very rough. On the 26th and 27th, the two low pressure systems moved eastward. The waves around Japan gradually increased, and on the 27th, it was rough east of Japan. From the 28th to the 30th, a low pressure system in the Sea of Japan moved from Hokkaido to the Sea of Okhotsk. The Japanese archipelago saw a large pressure gradient between the high pressure system extending from the continent into the East China Sea. From the 28th to the 29th, it was rough in the Sea of Japan to the East China Sea, and on the 30th, it was rough in the Sea of Japan and east of Japan.



#Sea surface temperature
Towards the end of this season, the Sea of Japan continued to be quite high, especially in the western part, and was up to 5 C higher. The East China Sea expanded its area of normal waters. On the Pacific side, it was normal at Cape Ashizuri and Cape Muroto, where the Kuroshio Current leaves the coast, and gradually became slightly lower than normal off the coast of Cape Shionomisaki. Off the coast of Tokai, where the Kuroshio Current comes ashore, temperatures were about 2 C higher than average. Off the coast of Sanriku, where the Kuroshio Current flows north, unusually high temperatures continued, with temperatures up to 7 C higher than average. Off the coast of southeast Hokkaido, temperatures also continued to be significantly higher than average, up to 6 C higher. Temperatures from the Kuril Islands to the Sea of Okhotsk were about average.

Seasonal news from all over Japan: Ginkgo leaves turn yellow in Tokyo, the latest since records began

2024/12/03 22:34

Today, the 3rd (Tuesday), reports of ginkgo leaves turning yellow and maple leaves turning red were received from various places.



The ginkgo leaves were observed in five locations: Utsunomiya, Tokyo, Kofu, Tottori, and Matsue. All were observed later than average, and in Tokyo and Kofu, it was the latest observation date since statistics began. In Matsue, it tied the latest record for 2019.

Maple leaves were observed in two locations: Tokyo and Kanazawa. All were observed later than average, and in Kanazawa in particular, it was the latest observation date since statistics began.

In eastern and western Japan, sunny days will continue, especially on the Pacific coast, and the weather is likely to be good for viewing autumn leaves. However, this weekend, on the 7th (Sat) and 8th (Sun), the weather will be very cold due to a strong cold front moving south. If you are going out to see the autumn leaves, please be sure to take proper measures to protect yourself from the cold.

Winter tires by the weekend as winter descends on northern Japan and Hokuriku, bringing severe weather and chills to city centers

2024/12/03 16:51

Winter pressure patterns are expected to continue from Friday the 6th to Tuesday the 10th. In particular, around Saturday the 7th, which is the 24th solar term "Daisetsu," a strong cold front may move south and strengthen the winter pressure pattern.





A low pressure system in the Sea of Japan will pass through Tohoku tomorrow, Wednesday the 4th. Snow is expected in Hokkaido and northern Tohoku, and rain is expected in some areas of Hokuriku. In addition, warm and humid air will flow into the cold air and low pressure in the sky, making the atmospheric conditions very unstable, especially on the Sea of Japan side of northern to eastern Japan. Cumulonimbus clouds are expected to develop and lightning is expected to occur in some areas.
The atmospheric conditions will also be very unstable on the 5th (Thursday), mainly on the Sea of Japan side of northern to eastern Japan. The area of snow in Hokkaido and northern Tohoku and rain in Hokuriku is expected to expand.

After that, the winter pressure pattern will continue from the 6th (Friday) to the 10th (Tuesday). It is expected that rain and snow will fall more easily, mainly on the Sea of Japan side. Cold air will remain in the sky, and there will be more days of snow, mainly in Hokkaido. There will be more sunny days on the Pacific side. Days with dry air will continue.

#Winter General arrives on Saturday, the 7th, which is the 24th solar term "Daisetsu"

From Saturday, the 7th to Sunday, the 8th, snowfall will increase and heavy snowfall may occur, mainly on the Sea of Japan side of Hokkaido to Tohoku.
In addition, the winter pressure pattern will strengthen, and there will be places where the wind will strengthen and snowstorms will occur. Visibility will be poor and transportation disruptions are expected.
In Hokuriku, snow will spread along the mountains and inland, and snow accumulation is expected to increase.
In Western Japan, snow is expected to fall and accumulate in some areas, mainly on the mountains and passes on the Sea of Japan side, such as the Chugoku Mountains. Be careful of snow accumulation and frozen roads. In addition, there will be places on the Sea of Japan side of Western Japan where rain will mix with snow, even on flat land.
Be prepared for snow before the weekend, and check the latest weather and traffic information when driving on unfamiliar roads when going out or traveling.

#A midwinter day in Sapporo, and the cold intensifies in the city center


The temperature from now on will be higher than normal in some places in Tohoku to Tokai from tomorrow, the 4th (Wed) to the 6th (Fri), and in Western Japan tomorrow, the 4th (Wed).
However, due to the influence of a strong cold front moving south over the weekend, it is expected that temperatures will drop below normal in many places not only in northern Japan, but also in eastern and western Japan.
The minimum temperature will be 3 C in Tokyo and 5 C in Osaka, and the cold will intensify, and even during the day it will be around 12 C.
Please adjust your clothing and cold weather gear to avoid getting sick due to the change in temperature.

A low pressure system is now passing through the Tohoku Sea of ??Japan side. Atmospheric conditions are extremely unstable. Be cautious and alert for landslides.

2024/12/03 16:36

Today, the 3rd (Tue), a cold front will extend from the low pressure system moving north of Hokkaido, passing through northern Japan and Hokuriku.
Localized rain clouds have developed around the front, and some areas have experienced heavy rain.
Tonight, another low pressure system will form in the Sea of Japan and pass through Tohoku by tomorrow, the 4th (Wed).



Warm and humid air will flow toward the low pressure system, and the atmospheric conditions on the Sea of Japan side of Tohoku are expected to be very unstable from early morning to early noon on the 4th (Wed).
After that, intermittent rain will fall on the Sea of Japan side of Tohoku until the day after tomorrow, the 5th (Thu) due to the influence of a low pressure trough.
As a result, cumulonimbus clouds are expected to develop and some areas will experience thunderstorms.
In the Tohoku Sea of Japan side, the ground has become loose due to the rain so far, so even a small amount of rain will increase the risk of landslides and may result in heavy rain of warning level.

Furthermore, if the low pressure develops more than expected, the Tohoku Sea of Japan side will experience westerly winds of warning level.

#Rain forecast
24-hour precipitation expected by 6:00 p.m. tomorrow, Wednesday the 4th [Heaviest areas]
Tohoku Japan Sea side 40 mm
24-hour precipitation expected by 6:00 p.m. the day after tomorrow, Thursday the 5th [Heaviest areas]
Tohoku Japan Sea side 60 mm



#Wind forecast
Maximum instantaneous wind speed expected tomorrow, Wednesday the 4th
Tohoku Japan Sea side, sea, 30 meters
Tohoku Japan Sea side, land, 30 meters

On the Tohoku Japan Sea side, there are places where the ground has become loose due to the rain that has fallen so far. Please be careful and alert for landslides from the early hours of tomorrow, Wednesday the 4th, to the day after tomorrow, Thursday the 5th. Also, please be cautious of strong winds from the west from early morning to the morning of tomorrow, Wednesday the 4th. Please be cautious of tornadoes and other violent gusts of wind, lightning, hail, and sudden heavy rain from the early hours of tomorrow, Wednesday the 4th, to around noon.

Winter arrives this weekend in line with the 24th solar term "Daisetsu" - stormy weather and heavy snow north of Hokuriku - will there be snow in the plains of western Japan too

2024/12/03 14:51

The winter pressure pattern is expected to continue from the 6th (Fri) to the 10th (Tue).
In particular, around the 7th (Sat), which is the 24th solar term "Daisetsu", strong cold air will move south and the winter pressure pattern may intensify.



December 7th (Sat) is "Daisetsu" in the 24 solar terms.
It means the time when snow starts to fall heavily, and it is a time when snow accumulates in the mountains and snow falls on the plains.
Just around the 7th (Sat), a cold air that brings heavy snow will move south as scheduled. With the onset of winter, stormy weather and heavy snow will be expected in the Hokuriku region and north, and snow will also fall on the plains of western Japan.

Cold air with temperatures of -12 C or lower at about 1,500m above sea level, which is the guideline for heavy snowfall on flat land, will move south from Hokkaido to northern Tohoku, and cold air with temperatures of -6 C or lower at about 1,500m above sea level, which is the guideline for snowfall on flat land, will move south to the Sea of Japan side of western Japan.



Snowfall will increase and heavy snowfall may occur mainly on the Sea of Japan side of Hokkaido to Tohoku from the weekend of the 7th (Sat) to the 8th (Sun).
In addition, the winter pressure pattern will strengthen, and winds will strengthen and some places will experience blizzards.
Visibility will be poor and transportation disruptions are also expected.
In Hokuriku, snowfall will spread to areas along the mountains and inland, and snow accumulation is expected to increase.
In Western Japan, snow is expected to fall and accumulate in some areas, mainly in the mountains and passes on the Sea of Japan side, such as the Chugoku Mountains.
Beware of snowfall and frozen roads.
In addition, there will be areas on the Sea of Japan side of Western Japan where snow will mix with rain, even on flat land.
The method of observing snow has changed this year, and if snow mixes with rain even for a moment, it will be observed as sleet and judged as snow, so there may be some areas where it will be the first snowfall.



Many people will be planning to drive on unfamiliar roads for trips and outings over the weekend.
It is a good idea to prepare for snow early, such as changing your car's tires to winter tires.
When you go out, please check the latest weather and traffic information and plan with plenty of time.

The moon approaches Venus. Keep an eye on the western sky after sunset. What's the weather like in your area

2024/12/03 06:21

In December, the evening star Venus shines very brightly in the southwestern sky after sunset. Tomorrow, the 4th (Wednesday), the thin moon will be located to the lower right of Venus. The following day, the 5th (Thursday), the moon will approach Venus. In the sky dyed with the sunset, the sharply shining Venus at -4.2 magnitude and the thin moon lined up side by side will be a spectacular sight.



#What's the weather like
Tomorrow, after sunset, clouds will likely spread on the Sea of Japan side. Many areas on the Sea of Japan side north of Hokuriku will experience rain and snow, and the weather is likely to be unfortunate. Many areas on the Pacific coast west of Kanto will be clear and sunny, so it looks like we'll be able to see the moon approach Venus clearly.

#Sunset times in various locations
Nemuro 15:42
Sendai 16:16
Tokyo 16:28
Osaka 16:47
Fukuoka 17:10
Naha 17:37

Global warming continues: Autumn temperatures break records for the third consecutive year; Wajima sees record-high precipitation

2024/12/03 05:36

The average temperature deviation in autumn from September to November this year (2024) was 1.97 C higher than normal. Following +0.90 C in 2022 and +1.39 C in 2023, 2024 was +1.97 C, making it the third consecutive year of the hottest autumn since statistics began in 1898. This year's summer was also the hottest on record (tied the record), meaning that the high temperature trend has continued for a long period of time.



Although there were periods when northern Japan was affected by cold air, the country was generally covered by warm air throughout autumn, so the average autumn temperature at 120 locations nationwide was the highest on record (including tying the record at four locations).

The amount of precipitation observed from September to November was 1,277.5 mm in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, which is about twice the average. It is the highest amount of rainfall ever recorded for autumn (the previous record was 1,134.5 mm in 2013).

Temperatures will exceed 20 C at the start of December, but a cold wave will hit over the weekend! Beware of temperature differences, strong winds, and dryness

2024/12/02 15:58

Today, December 2nd (Monday), the country is covered by a high pressure system and is sunny.
Rare sunny weather is spreading on the Sea of Japan side,
Temperatures are rising not only on the Pacific side but also on the Sea of Japan side.



The maximum temperature until 2:00 pm today is over 15 C in Western and Eastern Japan.

Even in areas on the Sea of Japan side such as Kanazawa, it is warmer than 17 C,
It is so warm that it is hard to believe it is December.



However, the temperature will drop day by day this week, and a "cold wave" will hit over the weekend, making it very cold.

On the Sea of Japan side, many areas will experience rain starting tonight as a low pressure system and front pass.

From tomorrow onwards, cold air will gradually flow in, and in Hokkaido, the rain will gradually turn to snow from tomorrow (Tuesday), and in Tohoku, the day after tomorrow (Wednesday) onwards.



Looking at the forecast for cold air at 9 p.m. on Saturday, the 7th,
hes that will bring heavy snow (below minus 12 C at around 1,500 m above sea level) will cover Hokkaido,
ands that will bring snow on the plains (below minus 6 C at around 1,500 m above sea level) are expected to move south to the Hokuriku region.

In the plains of Hokuriku, cold rain will continue until around Friday, the 6th,
but it is expected to turn to snow on the plains of Hokuriku from Saturday, the 7th.

On Saturday and Sunday, snow and wind will intensify in northern Japan and the Sea of Japan side of eastern Japan,
leading to rough weather and heavy snow.

Traffic information may also be affected, so please check the latest information when you go out.


The temperature on the Pacific side will drop sharply from the weekend, and cold winds will blow strongly.

The daily temperature difference and the temperature difference within a day will be large this week, so please be careful to manage your health.

In addition, the Pacific side will continue to be sunny and dry air.

In addition to the dry air, strong winds are likely to blow, so if a fire occurs, it will spread more easily.

Please be careful with fire and fire.

"Intense cold" will hit from the weekend, the season will accelerate rapidly, and from Hokuriku to the north, stormy weather and heavy snow will be brought [Weekly Weather]

2024/12/02 13:52

Today, the 2nd (Mon), the country is covered with high pressure and is sunny across the country.
The sunshine has reached the Sea of Japan side, making it a rare sunny day.

In western Japan, such as Kyushu, the temperature has risen to around 20 C,
It is warm enough to not think of December.

However, this week it will get colder day by day towards the weekend,
It looks like winter is finally here.

Let's take a look at the key points of the weather for each day ahead.


#Today, the 2nd (Mon) The Sea of Japan side is experiencing rare sunny weather#

Many places will be sunny during the day today,
However, the weather will change quickly, and tonight the weather will be on the decline from the north.

Tonight, a low pressure system with a front will approach Hokkaido,
It will rain in northern Japan and Hokuriku where the front passes.
There is a risk of temporary thunderstorms, rain and strong winds.

#3rd (Tue) Rain and thunderstorms from Hokuriku to the north#

Rain and thunderstorms will occur in Hokkaido and northern Tohoku until around noon tomorrow, the 3rd (Tue).
Temperatures will be high, and even in Hokkaido, it will be rain in many places.
It seems that there will be places where the rain will intensify with thunder, so
Please be careful of lightning, gusts of wind, hail, etc.



#4th (Wed) Risk of warning-level heavy rain in Hokuriku#

A new low pressure system is expected to form in the Sea of Japan on the 4th (Wed).

The unstable atmosphere will continue on the Sea of Japan side, and
In particular, there is a risk of warning-level heavy rain in Niigata Prefecture, where active rain clouds are likely to flow in.

In Hokuriku, the ground has become loose due to the rain so far, so
Please be careful and alert for landslides.


#5th (Thurs) to 6th (Fri) Winter pressure pattern will strengthen#

The next low pressure system will pass through the Tohoku region and the low pressure system is expected to stagnate in the Sea of Okhotsk.
The pressure pattern will gradually become stronger in winter, and strong cold air will flow into the sky.

In areas north of Hokuriku, the rain is expected to gradually change to snow.



#7th (Sat) Strong cold air will hit#

The winter pressure pattern will strengthen, mainly in northern Japan.

The cold air will peak from the night of the 7th (Sat) to the 8th (Sun), and there is a possibility of rough weather and heavy snowfall mainly on the Japan Sea side of northern to eastern Japan.
The stronger snow and wind may affect transportation, so please continue to pay attention to the latest information.


#Snow in southern Kyushu on the 8th (Sun)#
The strongest cold air of the season is in the sky above Japan, and a low pressure system (south coast low pressure system) may form south of Kyushu.

The strong cold air will be dragged toward the south coast low pressure system, so snow may fall in the mountains in southern Kyushu.

Depending on the path of the low pressure system, the area where snow falls on the Pacific side may expand, narrow, or change.

If you are going out on the weekend, please check the latest weather information.




December has arrived, and the ski season is about to begin, but
This year, there is still very little snow on the mountains, including at ski resorts.

However, with the cold weather this weekend, it looks like the snow will start to pile up.
As the cold weather will continue next week, it is expected that snow will continue to accumulate in the mountains.

When heading to snowy or mountain roads, such as ski resorts, be sure to change your car to winter tires,
and new tires for your car when traveling on snowy or mountain roads, and in areas where there is a lot of snow, be sure to bring tire chains with you.

[Cold air moves south] Temperatures are dropping sharply over the weekend... Northern Japan should beware of heavy snow

2024/12/02 08:00

This week, there will be many days around Japan where the pressure distribution will be winter-like, with high pressure in the west and low pressure in the east, and strong cold air is expected to move south over the weekend.

In northern Japan, the cold air flowing in at around 1,500 meters above sea level will be strong, at -12 C or below, and there is a risk of increased snowfall or heavy snow.

The expected temperature in the sky may change depending on future forecasts, but it is a good idea to prepare for snow over the weekend.




The temperature will be declining nationwide, and it will gradually get colder over the next week.

It will be cold and winter-like across the country over the weekend, with snow and rain over a wide area along the Sea of Japan coast.

In eastern and western Japan, if there is precipitation in inland areas or at high altitudes, it is likely to become snow, so it is a good idea to prepare winter tires when traveling.