TOKYO - The Japan Meteorological Agency has released its one-month forecast covering the period from January 24th to February 23rd, warning that cold air is likely to continue flowing into the country through early February before temperatures begin trending upward later in the month. Heavy snow has continued to fall along the Sea of Japan coast as a strong winter pressure pattern drives intense cold air into the region, prompting authorities to warn of large-scale traffic disruptions and other snow-related disasters.
According to the agency’s outlook, northeastern and eastern Japan, including Tohoku, Kanto and parts of Hokuriku, are expected to see below-average temperatures during the first half of the forecast period, while Hokkaido and western Japan are forecast to be near or slightly below seasonal norms.
Meteorologists say the temperature pattern is expected to shift noticeably in mid-to-late February, with warmer conditions becoming more likely as weather systems change and stronger low-pressure systems move across the Sea of Japan, a development that could bring the season’s first “haru ichiban” spring gusts and push Japan toward a milder March.
The prolonged cold wave is already disrupting daily life in Aomori Prefecture, where repeated train cancellations and heavy snowfall are affecting residents, particularly along the Sea of Japan coast.
Residents have been forced to clear snow day after day, with one Aomori City resident saying it has become overwhelming and is preventing people from going to work or even shopping.
Train services have been heavily affected, with JR reporting that more than 100 services were canceled on the previous day, and operations suspended again from the first trains on January 25th on sections of the Ou Main Line and the Gono Line.
Forecasters expect another 24 hours of heavy snowfall through 6 p.m., with up to 70 centimeters predicted in mountainous areas and around 50 centimeters in flatland regions.
Source: ウェザーニュース
