``Weather information regarding significant heavy snowfall'' announced one after another: Strict vigilance against traffic disruptions due to heavy snowfall

2026/01/25 06:56

Today, the 25th (Sunday), a winter-like atmospheric pressure pattern continues around Honshu with very strong cold air in the sky. In the Sea of Japan, a band of developed snow clouds associated with the Japan Sea Polar Air Mass Convergence Zone (JPCZ) extends, and the developed snow clouds are flowing one after another from Hokuriku to the Sanin area.

In the early hours of today, in Ishikawa Prefecture, significant snowfall of 20 to 28 centimeters was observed in 6 hours in Futatsuya, Kahoku City, Hodatsushimizu Town, Kanazawa City, and other areas. After 5 a.m., around 25 centimeters of snow was observed in Mikawahama-cho, Hakusan City, Tatsuguchi-cho, Nomi City, and other areas over a six-hour period. Heavy snow fell over a wide area from the Kaga region to the southern part of the Noto region, and meteorological observatories issued one after another "weather information regarding significant heavy snowfall."
In addition, in Yoshikata, Tottori City, the meteorological observatory has announced ``weather information regarding significant heavy snowfall,'' as 30 centimeters of snow had been observed in six hours by 5 a.m. today.
These areas are already experiencing heavy snowfall that is likely to cause major traffic disruptions, and there is a high possibility that the snow will continue to get heavier.



On the Sea of Japan coast from Hokkaido to the San'in area, there are places where the snowfall is already more than twice the normal level, and snow will continue to fall intermittently through today, the 25th, and there will be places where snowfall will rapidly increase in a short period of time, even in flat areas.
Some of the developed snow clouds may also flow into the Pacific side of the Tokai region, causing snow to accumulate in the plains of the Tokai region and the Kii Peninsula, where there is usually little snow. Traffic may be significantly affected, so please be sure to check the latest traffic and road information.



Please continue to be cautious of traffic disruptions due to heavy snow in areas along the Japan Sea side of northern and western Japan. In particular, in the flatlands of the Kaga region of Ishikawa Prefecture, where ``weather information regarding significant heavy snowfall'' has been announced, there is a risk of snow accumulation that will make it difficult to remove snow. Please be on high alert for heavy snow until noon today, the 25th, and refrain from going out unless necessary.

Heavy snowfall every day, prolonged winter, reaching its second peak tomorrow!

2026/01/24 18:25

A strong winter-like atmospheric pressure pattern continues near Japan.
Due to heavy snowfall every day, there are places from Tohoku to the Sanin area where the snow depth is more than twice the normal level.
In addition, due to the influence of a pressure trough extending from the Sea of Japan to the Hokuriku region, snowfall is increasing in some places, mainly from Hokuriku to Koshin and Tokai, resulting in heavy snowfall.
Heavy snow warnings have been announced in Niigata, Nagano, Gifu, and Fukui prefectures.




The strong winter pressure pattern will continue until the 25th (Sunday), and a trough of pressure extending from the Sea of Japan is expected to move from the Hokuriku region to the Sea of Japan side of western Japan.
As a result, the influx of strong cold air will continue.
Heavy snow is expected to fall not only along the mountains and in the mountains, but also on the flatlands, mainly on the Sea of Japan side of northern and western Japan.
Even on the Pacific side, where there is usually little snow, there will be places where there will be heavy snow.
In addition, there are places where the atmospheric conditions are extremely unstable, mainly from eastern Japan to western Japan on the Sea of Japan side. src="https://www.sunny-spot.net/topics/20260124182344_5.jpg" alt="image" width="500" height="281" />


In particular, developed snow clouds will move into the Hokuriku, Tokai, and Tohoku regions, and there is a risk of heavy snowfall in a short period of time.
In the Tohoku region and eastern Japan, be wary of traffic disruptions due to heavy snow and frozen roads, and in the Hokkaido region and western Japan, please be careful.
Especially in the Hokuriku and Tokai regions, snow clouds that have developed due to the effect of a trough in atmospheric pressure may flow in, causing heavy snowfall in a short period of time.

From tomorrow, the 25th (Sunday), please be on alert for traffic disturbances due to heavy snow and frozen roads in eastern Japan, and be careful and vigilant in northern and western Japan.




###Snow forecast
Heavy snow is expected to fall in some places from northern to western Japan, mainly on the Sea of Japan side.

The 24-hour snowfall expected from 18:00 on the 24th to 18:00 on the 25th is expected to be high in some places:
Hokkaido region 50cm
Tohoku region 60cm
Kanto-Koshinchi 70 cm
Hokuriku region 80 cm
Tokai region 70 cm
Kinki region 60 cm

After that, please make a reservation from 18:00 on the 25th to 18:00 on the 26th. Expected 24-hour snowfall amounts are high in some places: Hokkaido region: 40 cm
Tohoku region: 50 cm
Kanto-Koshin region: 30 cm
Hokuriku region: 40 cm
br Kinki Region 15cm

###Disaster Prevention Matters
In eastern Japan, please be on alert for traffic disturbances due to heavy snow and frozen roads through the 25th, and in northern and western Japan, please be careful.
Also, be careful of snow accretion and avalanches on power lines and trees.
Be careful of strong gusts of wind, including lightning and tornadoes, especially from eastern Japan to western Japan on the Sea of Japan side.
If there are signs of a developing cumulonimbus cloud approaching, please take every precaution to ensure your safety, such as moving inside a building.
There is also a risk of hail, so please be careful about managing crops and agricultural facilities.

Strong cold air moving south into tomorrow, the 25th; people in Tohoku and eastern Japan should be on alert for traffic disruptions

2026/01/24 07:55

A strong winter-like atmospheric pressure pattern continues near Japan. Due to heavy snowfall from the 21st (Wednesday) from the Tohoku region to the San'in region, the snow depth in some places is more than twice the normal level.



The strong winter-like pressure pattern will continue into tomorrow, the 25th (Sunday), and strong cold air will flow in.
Also, a pressure trough extending from the Sea of Japan is expected to move from near Hokuriku to the Sea of Japan side of western Japan.

As a result, there will be heavy snowfall in some places, mainly from the Tohoku region to the Sea of Japan side of western Japan, not only along the mountains and in the mountains, but also on the flatlands.
It is expected that there will be heavy snowfall in some places even on the Pacific side, where there is usually little snow. Especially in the Hokuriku, Tokai, and Tohoku regions, there is a risk that developed snow clouds will move in, causing heavy snowfall in a short period of time and causing a sudden increase in snowfall.

In the Tohoku region and eastern Japan, please be on alert for traffic disruptions due to heavy snow and frozen roads through tomorrow, the 25th (Sunday), and in the Hokkaido region and western Japan, please be careful. Also, be careful of snow accretion on power lines and trees, and avalanches.
Be careful of strong gusts of wind, including lightning and tornadoes, especially from eastern Japan to western Japan on the Sea of Japan side. There is also a risk of hail, so care must be taken when managing crops and agricultural facilities.

[Snow Forecast]
Heavy snow is expected to fall in some places from northern to western Japan, mainly on the Sea of Japan side.
#Expected amount of snow (in places with a lot of it)
+Expected 24-hour snowfall amount by dawn on the 25th (Sunday)
Hokkaido region 40cm
Tohoku region 70cm
Kanto-Koshin region 60cm
Hokuriku region 80cm
Tokai region 80cm
Kinki region 50cm
Shikoku region 20cm
Northern Kyushu 20cm
24-hour snowfall forecast by dawn on the 26th (Monday) Hokkaido 50cm
Tohoku region 70cm
Kanto-Koshin region 50cm
Hokuriku region 50cm
Tokai region 30cm
Kinki region 50cm

Weather for today, the 24th (Saturday): Cold air is heading south again on the Sea of ??Japan side, heavy snow warning, sunny in many places on the Pacific side

2026/01/24 06:30

Today, the 24th (Saturday), a winter-like atmospheric pressure pattern is expected to gradually strengthen, and cold air is expected to move southward into the afternoon. We continue to need to be cautious of heavy snow, especially along the Sea of Japan side. It will be sunny in many places on the Pacific side.



On the Sea of Japan side, snow will fall widely from northern Japan to the San'in area. The snow and wind will be strong in the afternoon, and coastal areas will need to be on guard against blizzards and heavy snow. In particular, due to the JPCZ (Japan Sea Polar Air Mass Convergence Zone), snow clouds that have developed mainly in the Hokuriku region tend to flow in one after another, causing a sudden increase in snowfall not only along the mountains but also on the flatlands in a short period of time, potentially resulting in heavy snowfall. Please refrain from going out unless necessary, as transportation may be affected.

It will be sunny in many places on the Pacific side. Because the air is dry, care must be taken when handling fire. In addition, snow clouds are expected to flow into some parts of the Tokai region and western Japan as far as the Pacific Ocean. Please pay attention to changes in the sky.

The sunshine will reach Okinawa and the weather will be fine for going out.

The coldness of midwinter continues in many places. Please take thorough measures to protect yourself from the cold when going out.

Strong winter atmospheric pressure distribution, lower sea surface temperatures in the Sea of ??Japan, ocean summary (January 11-17, 2026)

2026/01/23 17:06

A strong winter-like atmospheric pressure pattern frequently occurred, and strong cold air flowed into the upper atmosphere.
Sea surface temperatures in the Sea of Japan are lower than they have been in the past, and
are staying at or slightly higher than normal.

Below is the ocean summary (January 11th to 17th, 2026).



#Pressure distribution and waves
On the 11th, a low pressure system developing near Hokkaido passed through, and a strong winter-type pressure distribution occurred at night.
Japanese waters experienced heavy waves with wave heights of around 6m, mainly in coastal areas.
On the 12th, we were covered by high pressure from the west, and the winter-like pressure pattern loosened.
The high waves in the Japanese waters gradually subsided, but in the morning waves off the coast of Sanriku were over 6 meters high.
On the 13th, a low pressure system accompanied by a front passed through northern Japan.
On the 14th, the winter-like atmospheric pressure pattern strengthens. The central to northern part of the Sea of Japan and the coast of Sanriku were widely used as barges.
On the 17th, a low pressure system moved eastward from the Sea of Japan and passed through the Tohoku region, but the
low pressure system was small in scale and had little impact on the waves.



#Sea surface temperature
Sea surface temperatures in the Japanese Sea area have shrunk in areas with significantly higher temperatures, and
have remained at or slightly above normal from the northern to western regions.
The East China Sea continues to be at normal levels.
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 sea area continues to be higher than normal or considerably higher.
The maximum temperature was 4c higher than normal.
The waters off the southeastern coast of Hokkaido continue to be higher than normal or considerably higher.
The waters around the Chishima Islands and the Sea of Okhotsk continue to be at normal levels.

[Astronomical show] The moon approaches Saturn tonight!! The strongest and longest cold wave of the season is in the air. Even if you have a chance to observe the Pacific Ocean, be sure to take precautions against the cold.

2026/01/23 11:09

#Today, the 23rd (Friday) - Tomorrow, the 24th (Saturday) The moon approaches Saturn!!
Saturn shines as bright as 1st magnitude in the southwest to west sky in the evening.
Today, the 23rd (Friday), from evening to evening, 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 at its best when it was high in the sky last fall, but as it approaches its conjunction (aligning in the same direction as the sun) on March 25, 2026, 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.

#There are opportunities for observation on the Pacific side, so be sure to take precautions against the cold.



Over the weekend, the 25th (Sunday), a winter-like pressure pattern will strengthen near Japan, and the strongest and longest cold wave of the season will hit the sky.
Today, the 23rd (Friday), please refrain from unnecessary and non-urgent outings in areas with heavy snowfall, especially on the Sea of Japan coast.
There will be showers in Okinawa, and there will also be snow in southern Kyushu, Shikoku, southern Kinki, Tokai, northern Kanto-Koshin, and the Pacific side of northern Japan.
It will be clear and there will be a chance to observe the approach of the Moon and Saturn.
In the 24 solar terms, we recently experienced a cold weather on the 20th (Tuesday), which is the coldest time of the year, and the cold air is even stronger than the cold weather in normal years.
When observing, please be sure to take precautions against the cold.

[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.