Travel

Hokkaido Hit by Season's Heaviest Snowfall, Balmy Weather Follows

SAPPORO, Jan 17 (News On Japan) - Warm weather in northern Japan has followed the coldest snap of the season, where 141 flights were canceled due to whiteout conditions in Sapporo, while Wednesday is witnessing a sharp increase in temperatures.

In the central part of Sapporo City, the snowfall reached an intense 29 centimeters on Tuesday.

Warm air has since flowed into the upper atmosphere of Hokkaido, comparable to late March. As of 11 AM, January 17, the highest temperatures were 7.3°C in Matsumae Town, 6.9°C in Okushiri Town, and 5.5°C in Hakodate, where a local resident exclaimed, "Today is very warm. Yesterday was freezing, but now it feels like you could wear short sleeves."

Caution is advised due to snow falling from roofs, avalanches, and deteriorating road conditions.

by Brian Dentry

Source: HTB北海道ニュース

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