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.

Cold wave hits, warning of heavy snow mainly on the Sea of Japan side; effects of heavy snow may be prolonged

2026/01/19 08:33

Starting tomorrow, the 20th (Tuesday), areas around Honshu will experience a winter-like atmospheric pressure pattern with strong cold air in the upper atmosphere. Snow will cover a wide area from northern Japan to the Sea of Japan side of western Japan, and there will be heavy snowfall not only along the mountains but also on the plains. The strong cold air is expected to remain in the skies over Honshu for about a week, and there is a risk that its effects will last for a long time.




Looking at the forecast weather map, it is predicted that strong winter-like pressure patterns will continue around Honshu until around the 25th. Also, looking at the forecast for cold air around 1,500 meters above the ground, we see that on many days the cold air below -12c, which is a guide for heavy snow in flat areas, will move south as far as Hokuriku, and there will also be days when it will move south into the San'in region and northern Kyushu.
For this reason, there is a risk of warning-level heavy snowfall from around the 21st tomorrow on the Japan Sea side of northern to western Japan, and it is expected that the snow will continue to get heavier after that, leading to a further increase in snowfall.

Snow may extend to areas on the Pacific side. Snow clouds are expected to cover areas such as the Tokai region and the Pacific coast of western Japan, where there is usually little snow, and it is expected that there will be some places on flat ground.



Please be cautious of traffic disruptions due to heavy snow and check the latest traffic information. If you are driving a car, it is a good idea to have snow removal equipment, something to keep you warm, and a mobile battery in your car in case you get stranded. Please be careful of power outages, fallen trees, and avalanches caused by snow falling from the roof or snow accretion.

Also, due to the strong cold air lingering for a long time, the midwinter continues to be cold in many places. Please be careful not to freeze water pipes due to low temperatures.

Plum blossoms are blooming all over the country; Hikanzakura blooming announced in Naha

2026/01/18 21:27

As of today, the 18th (Sunday), plum blossoms are blooming in various parts of eastern Japan, western Japan, and Okinawa. Today, it was announced that plum blossoms will bloom in three locations: Kumagaya, Fukuoka, and Naha.



The earliest plum blossoms to bloom this season were in Matsuyama, where blooming was announced on December 23, 2025, ahead of the rest of the country. In 2026, it was announced that plum blossoms will bloom on January 5th in Shizuoka. From the 11th onwards, warm air was able to enter mainly from the Pacific Ocean side, and there were some warm days reminiscent of spring, so plum blossoms began to bloom one after another in various places. In Tokyo, plum blossoms were announced to bloom on January 14th.
Both locations have flowering dates that are significantly earlier than last year in normal years. As of 8 p.m. today, the 18th, the flowers were already in bloom, and Naha is the only place in the world where the flowers bloomed later than in normal years and last year.



Also, in Naha, it has been announced that Hikanzakura will bloom today, Saturday the 18th. The flowering date was two days later than normal and 13 days later than last year.

This season's strongest cold waves have arrived and the winter weather continues. Fear of heavy snow and blizzard mainly on the Sea of ??Japan side

2026/01/18 17:52

Tomorrow, the 19th (Monday), a low pressure system will approach from the west, and the day after tomorrow, the 20th (Tuesday), the low pressure system is expected to rapidly develop and move from near northern Japan to the east of Japan.






After that, strong winter-like pressure patterns will continue around Japan until around the 25th (Sunday).
As the strong cold air moves southward, there will be rough weather and heavy snow in some places, especially along the Sea of Japan coast from northern to western Japan.





From around the 21st to the 25th, there is a risk of rough weather, heavy snow, and blizzards mainly on the Japan Sea side from northern Japan to western Japan, and there is a risk of heavy snow even in flat areas.
Also, on the sea, there will be barges on the Sea of Japan side from northern Japan to western Japan.
Please be careful of traffic obstructions and damage to agricultural facilities due to heavy snowfall, and be careful of traffic obstructions due to snowdrifts, strong winds, and high waves.

However, if the cold air in the sky becomes stronger than expected, or if snow clouds that have developed continue to cover the same area, there is a possibility of heavy snowfall.

From eastern Japan to western Japan, the temperature drop is relatively high for this time of year, so be careful of daily temperature differences.

2026/01/18 07:22

Today, the 18th (Sunday), there will be a winter-like atmospheric pressure pattern mainly in northern Japan, and cold air in the upper atmosphere is expected to move southward. Temperatures are likely to drop in many places compared to yesterday (17th), which was the warmest day on record for January.



The predicted maximum temperature is Sapporo 0c, Sendai 6c, Tokyo 13c, Nagoya 14c, Kanazawa 8c, Osaka 13c, Kochi 18c, and Fukuoka 16c.
Although the temperature will not rise as much as the previous day in each area, there are many places where it is higher than normal during the day, so you will feel comfortable during the day.
The temperature rises during the day, but mornings and evenings continue to cool down, resulting in large temperature differences throughout the day. It would be a good idea to choose your clothes according to the time you will be leaving.

Today's weather on the 18th (Sunday): Snow and rain on the Sea of ??Japan side of northern Japan, clear winter skies on the Pacific side

2026/01/18 06:16

Today, the 18th (Sunday), there will be a winter-like atmospheric pressure pattern mainly in northern Japan, and the Sea of Japan side will be prone to snow and rain. There are many sunny places on the Pacific side, and it looks like it will be a mild and sunny winter.



Snow and rain will fall intermittently on the Sea of Japan side of northern Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk in Hokkaido, and in some places the rain will be heavier in the morning. Please be careful of increasing snowfall mainly along the mountains. In addition, there will be strong winds along the coast, and there will be places where it snows. Please be careful when driving as visibility may deteriorate due to snowstorms.
There will be many sunny places on the Pacific side of northern Japan.

On the other hand, it will be sunny in many places from eastern to western Japan. During the day, the temperature will continue to be high and the weather will be pleasant and sunny. The weather will be fine for going out.
There are some places in Hokuriku where snow and rain will remain until the morning, but it is expected to gradually stop.

It looks like the weather will be sunny and calm in the main island of Okinawa as well.

[Warning-level heavy snow] Winter General will attack next week and will remain for a long time Heavy snow and low temperature of "once in 10 years" level

2026/01/17 12:23

Weekly Weather Forecast
#Tomorrow is the 2nd day of the common university entrance test. What is the weather like
#Winter General attacks next week, stays for a long time with the strongest cold air and warning-level heavy snow on the Japan Sea side
#Turns from early spring's cheerful weather with low temperatures starting around the 21st



#Tomorrow is the 2nd day of the common test for university entrance. What is the weather like
A cold vortex with cold air in the sky is expected to move east-southeast near Hokkaido from the night of Saturday the 17th to the morning of Sunday the 18th tomorrow.
On the ground, a low pressure system west of the Soya Strait will move southward west of Hokkaido into the morning of tomorrow, the 18th (Sunday), as a cold vortex moves east-southeast.
Tomorrow, the 18th (Sunday), is the second day of the common university entrance test.
The area around the low-pressure area is expected to experience increased snowfall locally due to the influence of cold air in the upper atmosphere.
From tomorrow, the 18th (Sunday), please be careful of traffic disruptions due to heavy snow in Hokkaido, and be careful of lightning strikes, gusts of wind, and avalanches.
There will be places where it will snow in the morning on the Sea of Japan side of Tohoku and Hokuriku.
On the day of the test, road conditions may deteriorate and transportation may be disrupted, so it is best to arrive at the venue with plenty of time to spare.
After the evening, more places in Hokuriku will stop snowing, and at night the area of snowfall on the Sea of Japan side of northeastern Japan will become narrower.
From the Kanto region to western Japan, the weather is sunny and the temperature is rising, and on the Pacific side, you may feel the heat even in winter clothes.
The air will be dry, so please take good care of your throat and physical condition before taking the exam.



#Winter General will attack next week and will stay for a long time Strongest cold air and warning level heavy snow on the Sea of Japan side
Winter General will attack next week and is expected to stay for a long time.
Next week on the 20th (Tuesday), a low pressure system will move east of Japan, creating a winter-like pressure pattern around Japan.
Also, cold air with temperatures below -6 degrees Celsius at around 1,500 meters above the ground, which is a guideline for snow in flat areas, is expected to remain over Japan from the 20th (Tuesday) to the 25th (Sunday).
Among these, the particularly strong cold air will reach its peak around the 21st (Wednesday) to the 22nd (Thursday), when very strong cold air with temperatures below -12c at around 1,500 meters above the ground will flow into eastern and western Japan as well.



The coldest air of the season is expected to flow into the vicinity of Japan, and the winter-like pressure pattern is expected to strengthen.
On the Sea of Japan side, be careful of increasing snowfall, heavy snow, and blizzard.
If the JPCZ (Japan Sea Polar Air Mass Convergence Zone) is formed, where northerly winds and westerly winds converge, it will snow heavily locally, increasing the possibility of warning-level heavy snowfall mainly in the Hokuriku and San-in Sea of Japan sides.
In addition, the Japan Meteorological Agency announced early weather information on the 15th (Thursday), stating that there is a possibility of significant snowfall for five days from around the 21st (Wednesday) in the Tohoku region, the San-in area on the Sea of Japan side, northern Nagano prefecture, northern Gunma prefecture, and mountainous areas of Gifu prefecture.
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.



There is a risk of large-scale stranding due to heavy snow, so
Please be careful and be on guard against traffic obstructions.
Also, snow may accumulate on power lines, causing power outages.
It would be a good idea to prepare for power outages and stock up on food.
This time, General Winter will remain for a long time, so there is a risk that transportation will be affected for a long time.



#A complete change from the early spring weather Low temperature trend 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.
This week, there were some places where the weather was as warm as early April, but from around the 20th (Tuesday) in northern Japan, and from around the 21st (Wednesday) nationwide, the temperature will turn colder than normal.

Storm warning and wave warning on the Sea of Japan side due to winter-like atmospheric pressure distribution Widespread of seas near Japan [Marine Summary (January 4th to 10th, 2026)]

2026/01/16 16:04

The area around Japan frequently experienced winter-like atmospheric pressure patterns, and there were blizzard warnings and wave warnings in some areas, mainly on the Sea of Japan side.
On the 8th, winter-like atmospheric pressure conditions temporarily strengthened, and the seas around Japan became largely barren.
Below is a summary of the ocean (January 4-10, 2026)



#Pressure distribution and waves
On the 4th, the pressure distribution near Japan was high in the west and low in the east, and waves were high in the northern and central parts of the Japan Sea, and in the east of Japan.
From the 5th to the 6th, a winter-like atmospheric pressure pattern occurred near Japan, and waves gradually increased in the East China Sea and the Sea of Okhotsk.
On the 7th and 8th, a low pressure system accompanied by a front rapidly developed as it moved across the Sea of Japan, and the front passed through western and northern Japan.
In some parts of Hokuriku and Hokkaido, blizzard warnings and wave warnings were announced.
On the 8th, winter-like pressure patterns temporarily strengthened and became widespread over the Sea of Japan.
On the 9th, the winter-type pressure distribution gradually eased from the west, but the pressure remained in the east of Japan.
On the 10th, a low-pressure system accompanied by a front moved through the Sea of Japan and settled between the Yellow Sea and the central part of the Sea of Japan.



#Sea surface temperature
Sea surface temperatures in the Japanese sea area were slightly lower than normal in the northern part, and higher than normal in the central and western areas, with the sea surface temperature being up to 3 C higher than normal.
In the East China Sea, the sea area expanded compared to normal.
Sea areas south of Japan continued to be at normal levels, and waters off the Tokai and Kanto coasts continued to be below normal levels.
Off the coast of Sanriku, the area where temperatures are higher than normal or significantly higher has expanded, with temperatures up to 4 C higher than normal.
The sea area off the southeastern coast of Hokkaido continued to be higher than normal.
The waters near the Kuril Islands and the Sea of Okhotsk continued to be at or slightly below normal.

Typhoon No. 1: General Winter will hit Japan next week. The typhoon is unlikely to move north and will have no impact on Japan [Latest typhoon course forecast]

2026/01/16 11:41

As of 9 a.m. today, Friday the 16th, Typhoon No. 1 (Nocaen) is moving north-northwest east of the Philippines at 15 km/h.



From tomorrow until the 18th (Sunday), it will move northwest to the east of the Philippines and develop slightly.
Afterwards, it is expected to slow its movement east of Luzon Island, change its course to the east, weaken, and turn into a tropical cyclone east of the Philippines by 9 a.m. on the 21st (Wednesday).

#Typhoon No. 1 January 16th (Friday) 9:00 a.m.
Area of existence: East of the Philippines
Center location: 11 10'N latitude, 128 55'E
Direction of travel, speed North-northwest, 15 km/h
Central pressure 1000 hPa
Maximum wind speed 18 m/s (near the center)
Maximum instantaneous wind speed 25 m/s
Strong wind area 390 km on the north side, 220 km on the south side km

Next week, General Winter will hit the area near Japan, and the strong cold air will move south, making it difficult for the typhoon to move north, so it is not expected to have any impact on the Japanese archipelago.
This is the first typhoon in about two months since Typhoon No. 27 (Koto) that occurred on November 25th last year. This is the first typhoon of the year.



Looking at the average number of typhoons, January to March is the period with the lowest number of typhoons of the year, at 0.3 each.
Also, even when typhoons occur, they almost never approach the Japanese archipelago, and since statistics began in 2019, no typhoons have been recorded to approach the Japanese archipelago between January and March.