Higher-than-average snowfall likely in Japan

NHK -- Nov 25

Japan's Meteorological Agency forecasts higher-than-average snowfall in eastern and western Japan this winter.

The agency's forecast for December to February says western Japan can expect more snow than usual for the period.

Snowfall in the country's east is expected to be average or higher. Northern Japan will likely have average snowfall.

Officials expect more cold air to flow in this winter, due partly to disruptions to the course of westerlies caused by a La Nina event.

An agency official says heavy snowfall is possible as early as December.