[Heavy Snow Information] Strong winter-like atmospheric pressure continues until around the 25th. Be on high alert for prolonged heavy snow

2026/01/22 23:22

A strong winter-like atmospheric pressure pattern continues in the vicinity of Japan, and the daily maximum 24-hour snowfall from the 21st to the 22nd was 50 cm in northern and eastern Japan, and over 30 cm in the Kinki region, and heavy snow warnings have been announced in some places in the Hokuriku and Chubu regions. In addition, in Shinbo, Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture, a significant snowfall of 32 centimeters was observed in the six hours up to 21:00 on the 22nd, and ``weather information regarding significant heavy snowfall'' was announced at 21:23 on the 22nd.



The strong winter-like atmospheric pressure pattern will continue until the 25th, and strong cold air is expected to flow in. There is a risk of heavy snow not only along the mountains and mountainous areas, but also on the flatlands, mainly from northern Japan to the Sea of Japan side of western Japan. Especially in the Hokuriku region, snow clouds that developed over the 24th will move in, and there is a risk of heavy snowfall in a short period of time.



Please be careful of traffic obstructions due to heavy snow and frozen roads, snow accretion on power lines and trees, and avalanches. Please avoid unnecessary and non-urgent outings in areas with heavy snowfall.
Also, from the 24th to the 24th, please be careful of strong gusts such as lightning and tornadoes, especially from eastern Japan to western Japan on the Sea of Japan side.

The moon is approaching Saturn during the strongest and longest cold wave of the season!! Even if you have a chance to observe the Pacific side, be sure to take precautions against the cold

2026/01/22 12:20

#This season's strongest and longest cold wave is expected to hit the Sea of Japan Avoid unnecessary and non-urgent outings
Towards the weekend, the 25th (Sunday), winter-like atmospheric pressure will be strengthened near Japan, and this season's strongest and longest cold wave will hit the skies.
Please refrain from unnecessary and non-urgent outings in areas with heavy snowfall, especially on the Sea of Japan coast.
During the strongest and longest cold wave of the season, the moon is expected to approach Saturn from today, the 22nd (Thursday) to the 24th (Saturday) tomorrow.
On the Pacific side, there seems to be a chance for observation from late afternoon to early evening.



#Today the 22nd (Thursday) - Tomorrow the 24th (Saturday) The moon approaches Saturn!!
Saturn shines as bright as 1st magnitude in the southwest to west sky in the evening.
Tomorrow, the 23rd (Friday), a slightly slender Moon with an age of 5 will be visible approaching Saturn.
Please enjoy watching the performance with the naked eye or with binoculars.
Around 7:00 p.m., Saturn will be at a slightly lower altitude of about 30 degrees, so it's best to observe it as soon as the sky gets dark.
Also, if you use a telescope, you can also observe the thinness of Saturn's rings.
There are two times a year when Saturn's rings become horizontal in its orbit, and at that time they are hardly visible.
This "disappearing ring" phenomenon occurs regularly, most recently in 2009 and March 2025.
After that, it became slightly visible, but it became difficult to see again in November 2025.
As of January 2026, Saturn's rings appear thin.



Saturn itself can be seen with the naked eye, and it was high in the sky last fall, but as it approaches its conjunction on March 25, 2026 (it will be in the same direction as the sun), it will gradually appear lower even at the same time.
After mid-March 2026, it will get closer to the sun and become less visible, and it will become invisible when it reaches conjunction on March 25th.
It will be visible in the eastern sky at dawn from around late May.

# Opportunities for observation on the Pacific side - Take all necessary precautions against the cold
Today, the 22nd (Thursday), heavy snow has fallen mainly on the Sea of Japan side, and snow is falling not only in the mountains, but also on the flatlands and on the Pacific side, where there is usually less snow.
As of 11:30 a.m., heavy snow warnings have been issued for Hyogo, Kyoto, Shiga, Mie, and Fukui prefectures.
In areas with heavy snow, please refrain from going out unless necessary.



In the 24 solar terms, we recently experienced a cold spell on the 20th (Tuesday), which is the coldest time of the year, but it is expected that the cold air will be even stronger than the coldest period in normal years and will stay for a long time.
It looks like it will be a long battle of heavy snow and bitter cold over the weekend.
Today, the 22nd (Thursday) will be San'in - Hokkaido Sea of Japan side and Gifu Prefecture, tomorrow 23rd (Friday) will be Hokuriku - Hokkaido Sea of Japan side and Gifu Prefecture, and tomorrow the 24th (Saturday) will be Hokuriku - There is a risk of warning-level heavy snow in the Tohoku Sea of Japan side, Gifu Prefecture, and northern Nagano Prefecture, and on the 25th (Sunday) in Hokuriku and the Tohoku Sea of Japan side, Gifu Prefecture, northern Nagano Prefecture, and northern Gunma Prefecture.
On the 23rd (Friday), when the Moon and Saturn will be closest, there will be showers in Okinawa, and snow in southern Kyushu, Shikoku, southern Kinki, Tokai, northern Kanto-Koshin, and the Pacific side of northern Japan.
It will be sunny elsewhere, so there will be a chance for observation, but please be sure to take precautions against the cold.

Prolonged heavy snow. On the Sea of Japan side, there is a risk of rapid snow accumulation even in flat areas in a short time. Even on the Pacific side, be careful of the impact of snow on transportation.

2026/01/22 08:20

The area around Honshu has a strong winter-like atmospheric pressure pattern with extremely cold air of -36 degrees Celsius or lower flowing in at around 5,000 meters above the ground, which is considered to be a sign of heavy snowfall. In addition, in the Sea of Japan, there are places where a well-developed band of snow clouds called the Japan Sea Polar Air Mass Convergence Zone (JPCZ) hangs from the shadow of the mountains to the northern Kinki region, and the developed snow clouds are flowing one after another into the Kinki and Hokuriku regions.



In the Tohoku region, Sukayu in Aomori Prefecture reached its deepest snow depth of 425cm by yesterday (Wednesday), the 21st, making it the first snowfall in the country to exceed 4m this season.
Last night, around 10 p.m. on the 21st (Wednesday), 20 cm of snowfall was observed in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, in the 6 hours until 22:00 on the 21st, and after 4 a.m. today, the 22nd (Thursday), when the date changed, 25 cm of snow was observed in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture, in the 6 hours until 4 p.m. For this reason, ``weather information regarding significant heavy snowfall'' was announced in Kanazawa and Hikone.



It will continue to snow intermittently on the Sea of Japan side from northern Japan to western Japan, and the snow will become heavier in local areas.
Also, some of the active snow clouds created by "JPCZ" will pass from Wakasa Bay to Ise Bay, causing snow accumulation in places that usually have little snow, such as the plains of the Tokai region and the Kii Peninsula. Please pay attention to the latest road information and train operation information, as transportation may be significantly affected.



Near the Kinki and Hokuriku regions, where "JPCZ" is directed, active snow clouds are moving into similar areas one after another, and there is a risk that snowfall will increase rapidly even in flat areas in a short period of time. In particular, in the Hokuriku region, along the mountains of Niigata Prefecture, there is a risk of snowfall reaching 100 cm in the 24-hour period until tomorrow 23rd, and heavy snow is expected to continue after that, mainly along the Sea of Japan side.

Please continue to be cautious of traffic disruptions due to heavy snow and deteriorating road conditions, and be careful of snow accreting on power lines and trees, avalanches, and vehicles getting stuck.

Heavy snowfall of 20cm in 6 hours in Kanazawa; "Weather information regarding significant heavy snowfall" announced

2026/01/21 22:55

Around 10 p.m. today, Wednesday the 21st, the Kanazawa Regional Meteorological Observatory announced ``weather information regarding significant heavy snowfall.''

Currently, developed snow clouds from the Japan Sea Polar Air Mass Convergence Zone (JPCZ) are flowing into the area around Ishikawa Prefecture one after another.
By 10:00 p.m. today, the 21st (Wednesday), it appears that over 20 cm of heavy snow had fallen in 6 hours in Kanazawa, and the Kanazawa Local Meteorological Observatory has announced ``weather information regarding significant heavy snow.''

This information is intended to call for increased vigilance in the event of heavy snowfall over a short period of time. It is provided to call for further caution when significant heavy snowfall is observed in a short period of time and it is expected that heavy snowfall will continue.

In Kanazawa, heavy snow is expected to continue into the morning of tomorrow, the 22nd (Thursday), and in the flatlands of northern Kaga, road conditions are worsening due to the rapid increase in snowfall, and there is a growing fear that large-scale traffic disruptions will occur.

There is a risk of large-scale vehicle stranding, so please avoid driving as much as possible and refrain from going out unless necessary.

3-month forecast: Temperatures will be high nationwide in March and April, and spring is expected to arrive early

2026/01/21 21:36

On the 20th (Tuesday), the Japan Meteorological Agency announced the latest 3-month forecast, which shows the weather outlook for the next 3 months.



Sea surface temperatures will continue to be high in the western part of the tropical Pacific Ocean, and cumulonimbus clouds are expected to form more frequently from the vicinity of the Philippines to the sea east of the Philippines, and fewer in the tropical part of the Indian Ocean.
As a result of these effects, westerly winds over Japan tend to flow more northward than normal, especially during the latter half of the period. In addition, near the surface from the south of Japan to the South China Sea, northeasterly winds are expected to be stronger than normal, making it difficult for moist air to flow in from the southwest, especially in western Japan, Okinawa, and Amami.

Based on the above, the area around Japan will be less susceptible to the effects of cold air, especially in the latter half of the period. Additionally, western Japan, Okinawa, and Amami are likely to be less affected by low pressure than in normal years.




In February, temperatures are expected to be near normal across the country, and the bitter cold of winter will continue. From northern Japan to eastern Japan, it is likely that there will be many cloudy, snowy, and rainy days, similar to normal years. In western Japan, Okinawa and Amami, precipitation is expected to be lower than normal.

From March to April, the severe cold is not expected to last long, and temperatures are expected to be higher than normal across the country. It will be a warm spring, and the cherry blossoms will bloom smoothly.

The air tends to be drier on the Pacific side, and on days when it is sunny and warm air tends to enter, cedar pollen will be more likely to scatter. Depending on the weather conditions, there may be places where the scattering peaks from around late February to early March. If you are sensitive to symptoms, be sure to take early measures.

Also, in areas with heavy snowfall, the snow will begin to melt rapidly from around March. Please be careful of avalanches.

[JPCZ is appearing] It's like a "linear snowfall zone" Snowfall is increasing rapidly on the Japan Sea side starting tonight. Be careful of long-term power outages and stranded cars.

2026/01/21 13:56

The strongest and longest cold wave of the season is now upon us.



If you look at the clouds on the meteorological satellite Himawari at 12:30 pm today, January 21st (Wednesday), you will see that the JPCZ (Japan Sea Polar Air Mass Convergence Zone) has formed in the Sea of Japan.

JPCZ is a convergence zone created when
cold air currents (northern winds) are divided into two by a high mountain in the northern part of the Korean Peninsula,
and then merge again over the Sea of Japan.

As the winds collide and converge, active
band-shaped snow clouds (rain clouds) are occurring over the Sea of Japan.
In areas where this convergence zone is oriented, the amount of snowfall and
snowfall may increase rapidly.

It can also be called a "linear snowfall belt" in winter because active snow clouds form a series of bands like the linear rain belt in summer.



From tonight, there will be a lot of snow mainly in the San'in region and Hokuriku area, which is the direction of JPCZ,
"heavy snow" is expected.

The areas where the snow is particularly intense are shown in purple,
along the mountains around northern Kinki and Hokuriku.

In addition, strong winds from the north will bring snow clouds to the Pacific Ocean, and there is a possibility that snow will fall and accumulate in Nagoya and Shizuoka.

There is a high possibility of snow falling in Sekigahara from tonight to tomorrow 22nd (Thursday),
The Tokaido Shinkansen and Meishin Expressway may be affected.



Also, since the cold air will remain for a long time this time, heavy snow is expected to fall not only along the mountains and areas but also on the flatlands, mainly on the Sea of Japan side,
until around the 25th (Sunday).


Especially tomorrow, the 22nd (Thursday), there will be a significant amount of snowfall on the Sea of Japan side from Hokuriku to the San'in area, so
please be wary of heavy snow.


[Snow forecast] (24-hour snowfall amount/in areas where there is a lot of snow)

Until 6 a.m. tomorrow 22nd (Thursday)
Hokkaido region 5 0 cm
Tohoku region 60 cm
Kanto-Koshin region 50 cm
Hokuriku region 80 cm
Tokai Region: 40 cm
Kinki region: 70 cm
Chugoku region: 70 cm
22nd (Thursday) 6:00 a.m. to 23rd ( Friday) until 6:00 a.m.
Hokkaido region 50cm
Tohoku region 70cm
Kanto-Koshin region 30cm
br Hokuriku region 100 cm
Tokai region 50 cm
Kinki region 70 cm
Chugoku region 50cm
23rd (Friday) 6:00 a.m. to 24th (Saturday) 6:00am
Hokkaido region 40cm
Tohoku region 70cm
Hokuriku region 70cm
Tokai region 50cm
Kinki region 40cm
After that, strong winter-like atmospheric pressure patterns will continue until around the 25th (Saturday), so heavy snow will continue mainly on the Sea of Japan side, and snowfall is expected to increase further.



Be careful of traffic obstructions due to heavy snow and frozen roads,
Be careful of snow accretion and avalanches on power lines and trees.

Especially in northern Japan and areas along the Sea of Japan, it would be a good idea to stock up on food in case of power outages or water outages.

Please be aware of stranded cars and the impact on transportation.

Strong winter-like atmospheric pressure continues into the weekend, the 25th (Sunday). Be careful and be on guard against traffic obstacles on the Sea of ??Japan side.

2026/01/21 07:39

Strong winter-like pressure patterns are expected to continue around Japan until around the 25th (Sunday). Strong cold air of -40c or lower is expected to intermittently flow into the air around 5000m above eastern Japan until around the 25th (Sunday), and strong cold air of -12c or lower is expected to flow into the air around 1500m above western Japan until around the 25th (Sunday).




From northern Japan to western Japan, mainly on the Sea of Japan side, there are places where heavy snowfall will occur, not only along mountains and mountainous areas, but also on flatlands, and there is a risk that the snowfall will become heavier in a short period of time. In addition, heavy snow is expected to occur in some places on the Pacific side, where there is usually little snow.

In particular, on tomorrow the 22nd (Thursday) when strong cold air flows in, snow clouds that have developed mainly on the Sea of Japan side from the Hokuriku region to the Sanin area will flow in, so there is a risk of significant snowfall.

From northern Japan to western Japan, from around the 25th (Sunday), please be careful of traffic disruptions due to heavy snow and frozen roads, and be careful of snow accretion and avalanches on power lines and trees. In particular, the Hokuriku, Kinki, and Chugoku regions need to be on guard against heavy snowfall into tomorrow, the 22nd (Thursday).

#Expected amount of snow (in places with a lot of snow)
+Expected 24-hour snowfall amount by dawn on the 22nd (Thursday)
Hokkaido region 5 0 cm
Tohoku region 60 cm
Kanto-Koshin region 50 cm
Hokuriku region 80 cm
Tokai region 40cm
Kinki region 70cm
Chugoku region 70cm
+Forecasted by tomorrow morning on Friday the 23rd 24-hour snowfall
Hokkaido region 50 cm
Tohoku region 70 cm
Kanto-Koshin region 30 cm
Hokuriku region 100 cm
Tokai region 50 cm
Kinki region 70 cm
Chugoku region 50 cm
+24-hour snowfall forecast by dawn on Saturday the 24th
Hokkaido region 40 cm
Tohoku region 70 cm
Hokuriku region 70 cm
Tokai region 50 cm
Kinki region 40 cm
25 days thereafter As strong winter-like atmospheric pressure patterns continue into around (Sunday), heavy snow will continue from northern Japan to western Japan on the Sea of Japan side, and there is a risk that snow accumulation will increase further.

There is a risk that the effects will last for a long time, mainly in the Sea of Japan region, over the weekend. Please be prepared for heavy snow and traffic problems.

Weather for today, the 21st (Wednesday): Beware of heavy snow on the Sea of ??Japan side; some snow on the Pacific side as well

2026/01/21 06:28

Today, the 21st (Wednesday), the strong winter-like atmospheric pressure pattern is expected to continue. Cold air is flowing into the sky, and the Sea of Japan side will continue to experience rough weather, so vigilance against heavy snow is required. Although it is mostly sunny on the Pacific side, there are some places where snow clouds can roll in, so you need to be careful. />

Snow will fall intermittently from the Sea of Japan side of northern Japan to Hokuriku, and there is a risk of heavy snowfall. There is a risk of a sudden increase in snowfall mainly along the mountains, so caution and vigilance are required, including traffic disruptions. Also, be careful of strong winds, especially in coastal areas, and poor visibility due to blizzard.

In the Sanin area, the snow will become heavier in the afternoon, and there is a risk of heavy snowfall. At night, it is necessary to be cautious of traffic disruptions due to snow accumulation and frozen roads.

It will be sunny in many places on the Pacific side. However, snow will fall on the Pacific side of Tohoku and at night in areas such as western Kanagawa prefecture and eastern Shizuoka prefecture, and there will be some places where it will snow. If you plan to drive, please be aware of the latest traffic information.

Due to the effects of cold air, temperatures are expected to be mid-winter across the country. The maximum temperature will be in the single digits in many places, so it's going to be a day where you'll need to take thorough measures to protect yourself from the cold when you go out.

Intensifying and prolonged cold air and winter-like atmospheric pressure distribution. Warning due to stormy conditions mainly on the Sea of ??Japan side!

2026/01/20 09:42

There is a low pressure system off the coast of Sanriku, which is rapidly developing and moving northeast.
There is also a low pressure system west of Hokkaido that is slowly moving south.
On the other hand, high pressure is protruding from the continent, and the winter-like pressure pattern is becoming stronger.



Currently, there are places where it is snowing and raining on the Sea of Japan side, raining in the Okinawa region, and blizzard and wave warnings have been announced in some places in Hokkaido and the Tohoku region.

Today, the winter-like atmospheric pressure distribution will become even stronger, and strong cold air will flow in.
There will be heavy snowfall in some places, mainly on the Sea of Japan side of northern and western Japan.
There is a risk of heavy snow even in flat areas, so please be careful of heavy snow and ice, traffic obstruction due to blizzard and snowdrifts, strong winds, and high waves, and be careful of snow accretion and avalanches.





The winter-like atmospheric pressure pattern and strong cold air are expected to continue into the 25th (Sunday).







###Wind forecast
Maximum wind speed (maximum instantaneous wind speed) expected on the 20th
Hokkaido Northern land on the Sea of Japan side 15 meters ( 30 meters)
Hokkaido Northern sea on the Sea of Japan side 20 meters (30 meters)
Hokkaido Southern land on the Sea of Japan side 20 meters (35 meters)
Hokkaido Southern sea on the Japan Sea side 23 meters (35 meters)
Hokkaido Western land on the Pacific side 20 meters (35 meters) Tohoku Sea of Japan Sea 20 meters (30 meters)
Hokkaido Pacific Ocean Western Sea 23 meters (35 meters) )
Tohoku, Sea of Japan side, land 15 meters (30 meters)
Tohoku, Pacific side, sea 20 meters (30 meters)
Tohoku Pacific side land 15 meters (30 meters)

### Wave forecast
Wave height expected on the 20th
North Sea Road Southern Sea of Japan side 6 meters
Hokkaido Western Pacific side 5 meters
Tohoku Sea of Japan side 5 meters

###Snow forecast Thoughts
From northern to western Japan, there are places where heavy snowfall will occur, mainly along the Sea of Japan, not only along mountains and mountainous areas, but also on flatlands, and there is a risk that the snowfall will become heavier in a short period of time. In addition, heavy snow is expected to occur in some places on the Pacific side, where there is usually little snow.

The expected amount of snowfall in the 24-hour period from 6:00 on the 20th to 6:00 on the 21st is high in some places. The predicted 24-hour snowfall amount is high in some places:
Hokkaido region 40cm
Tohoku region 7 0 cm
Kanto-Koshin region 40 cm
Hokuriku region 100 cm
Kinki region 50 cm

Then, the predicted 24-hour snowfall from 6:00 on the 22nd to 6:00 on the 23rd is high in some places:
Tohoku region 70 cm
Kanto-Koshin region 40 cm
Hokuriku region 100cm
Kinki region 50cm

After that, strong winter-like atmospheric pressure patterns will continue until around the 25th, so heavy snow will continue mainly from the Japan Sea side of northern Japan to western Japan, and there is a risk that snowfall will increase further.

The strongest cold wave is hitting, which is rare even during the [Great Cold] season!! It will be a long battle of heavy snow and severe cold until the weekend!

2026/01/19 12:36

Tomorrow, the 20th (Tuesday), is the ``Great Cold'' of the 24 solar terms, which is the coldest period of the year.
To coincide with the ``Great Cold'', General Winter will arrive and linger for a long time over the weekend.
It is also likely that colder air will flow in, even lower than in normal years, and it will be a long battle of heavy snow and severe cold.



#Unusual even during this period of severe cold!! The strongest cold air, around 5 to 10 degrees Celsius lower than normal.
Tomorrow, the 20th (Tuesday), a low pressure system will rapidly develop and move towards the Chishima Islands, and the area around Japan will gradually become winter-like.
And tomorrow, the 21st (Wednesday), is expected to be a strong winter-like atmospheric pressure pattern.
About 1,500 meters above the ground, strong cold air with temperatures below -12c, which is a guideline for bringing heavy snow in flat areas, will flow widely into western and northern Japan.
This is the strongest cold air of the season, which is unusual even in the middle of winter, and is around 5 to 10 degrees Celsius lower than normal.
Furthermore, the strong winter-like atmospheric pressure pattern is expected to continue into the weekend around the 25th (Sunday).

#The day after - the winter general stays for a long weekend with a once-in-a-decade heavy snowfall
For a long period of time from the 21st (Wednesday) to the 25th (Sunday) of the next day, please be careful of traffic disruptions caused by heavy snow mainly on the Sea of Japan side, and be careful of snow accretion and avalanches.
There will be heavy snowfall not only in the mountains but also on the flatlands.
Also, heavy snow is expected to occur in some places on the Pacific side, where there is usually little snow.
The expected amount of snowfall in the next 24 hours by the morning of the 21st (Wednesday) is 50cm in Tohoku and 40cm in Hokkaido.
Then, the expected 24-hour snowfall by the morning of the 22nd (Thursday) is high in some places,
40cm in Chugoku, Tokai, Kanto-Koshin, and Hokkaido, 50cm in Kinki, and 70cm in Hokuriku and Tohoku.



Since the strong winter-like atmospheric pressure pattern will continue after that, heavy snow will continue mainly on the Sea of Japan side of western and northern Japan, and there is a risk that snow accumulation will increase further.
The Japan Meteorological Agency released early weather information on the 15th (Thursday), stating that there is a possibility of significant snowfall in the San'in area, the Sea of Japan side of Tohoku, the mountainous areas of Gifu Prefecture, northern Nagano Prefecture, and northern Gunma Prefecture for five days from around Wednesday the 21st.
At this time of year, there are likely to be some places that experience heavy snowfall, which is on a once-in-a-decade level.
Warning-level heavy snow is possible from the Sea of Japan side of Hokkaido on the 20th (Tuesday), from the San'in area to the Sea of Japan side of Hokkaido on the 21st (Wednesday), from the San'in area to the Sea of Japan side of Tohoku on the 22nd (Thursday), and from the Hokuriku area to the Sea of Japan side of Tohoku from the 23rd (Friday) to the 24th (Saturday).



This time, General Winter will stay for a long time, so the impact on transportation will be long-lasting.
Large-scale stranding may occur due to heavy snow.
If you have no choice but to drive, it is a good idea to have snow removal equipment, something to keep you warm, and a mobile battery in your car, just in case.
Also, snow may accumulate on power lines, causing power outages.
Even at home, you can feel safe by taking precautions against power outages and stocking up on food.

#A sudden change from the cheerful weather of early spring with a trend towards lower temperatures starting around the 21st
The Japan Meteorological Agency announced early weather information on the 15th (Thursday), stating that the average temperature for 5 days starting around the 21st (Wednesday) will be quite low nationwide.



Last week, there were some places where the weather was as warm as early April, but from around the 20th (Tuesday) in northern Japan, and around the 21st (Wednesday) nationwide, the temperature will turn colder than normal.
Although this is originally the coldest time of the year, it is expected that there will continue to be days with temperatures below the average for the coldest period.
Please take proper measures against the cold and take care of your physical condition.
Also, be careful about freezing water pipes.