Tokyo, Jan 4 (NationPress) The Japan Meteorological Agency reported on Saturday that significant snowfall has impacted the mountainous regions along the Sea of Japan in northern to western Japan, prompting a warning for individuals returning from their New Year celebrations to anticipate traffic delays.
In the six hours leading up to 6 am local time on Saturday, 17 centimeters of snow accumulated in Itoigawa City, Niigata Prefecture, while Chippubestu Town in Hokkaido recorded 14 centimeters, according to the JMA.
As of 6 am local time, 392 centimeters of snow had settled in Sukayu within the Hakkoda mountain range in Aomori Prefecture, which is double the typical amount for this period. Meanwhile, Goshogawara City in the same prefecture reported 107 centimeters, exceeding the average by more than three times, the JMA indicated.
Forecasts predict an additional 40 centimeters of snow in Hokkaido and 30 centimeters in the Tohoku region over the 24 hours leading to Sunday morning, as reported by Xinhua.
On Friday, the meteorological agency had cautioned that heavy snow was anticipated to affect northern and eastern Japan through Saturday, particularly in the mountainous regions along the Sea of Japan coast, due to a winter pressure system and a cold air mass.
The JMA estimated that throughout the 24-hour period leading to Saturday morning, snowfall could reach up to 50 centimeters in the Tohoku region, 40 centimeters in Hokkaido and Niigata prefectures, 35 centimeters in the Kanto-Koshin region, and 30 centimeters in both the Hokuriku and Tokai regions.
Weather officials have urged the public to prepare for potential travel disruptions and to exercise caution regarding snow accumulation on power lines and trees, as well as the risk of avalanches in snowy areas.
Winds along the Sea of Japan coast from northern to western Japan may intensify through Sunday, with the possibility of blizzards in certain areas, the JMA added.
Heavy snowfall had already blanketed northern Japan on Tuesday, leading to numerous flight cancellations as travelers moved for the New Year holidays.
Japan Airlines reported the cancellation of 42 flights to and from Hokkaido, impacting 6,398 passengers, while All Nippon Airways canceled 14 flights, affecting 800 travelers.
Previously, the average temperature across Japan from September to November 2024 was the highest on record since 1898.
The nationwide autumn average was recorded at 1.97 degrees Celsius above the normal baseline, breaking last year's record by a significant margin of 0.58 degrees, as per the data.
The JMA attributed the unprecedented warmth to global warming and a northward shift in the jet stream, which allowed warm southern air to prevail.
