Although the cold temporarily eases, in the latter half of the period, extremely strong cold air moves southward, and a blizzard occurs in Hokkaido (weather summary from February 1st to February 7th, 2025)

2026/02/14 06:38

This is a summary of the weather for this period (February 1st to February 7th, 2026)

#Summary of the weather for this period (February 1st to February 7th)
At the beginning of the period, winter-like pressure patterns continued around Honshu, but the cold air gradually retreated northward, and from around the 4th to the 6th, it became susceptible to warm influences from the south. As a result, average temperatures nationwide tended to be at or slightly above normal, with some places in Hokkaido, such as Asahikawa and Kushiro, exceeding normal by more than 2 C.

Precipitation was higher than normal, mainly in the Sea of Japan side of northern Japan, which was susceptible to the effects of low-pressure systems, and mainly in Aomori, which experienced record heavy snowfall. Areas on the Pacific side of Tohoku and on the Pacific side west of Kanto showed a tendency for significantly less rainfall, and there were many locations where the total precipitation for the period was 0 mm.

Sunshine hours were below normal on the Sea of Japan side of northern Japan and Hokuriku, where days of snow and rain were likely to continue due to winter-like atmospheric pressure patterns. In addition, the area around the Sakishima Islands was susceptible to the influence of fronts, and temperatures tended to be well below normal. In many areas of the Pacific Ocean west of the Kanto region and Okinawa, temperatures were at normal levels.



[About the weather during this period]
#Characteristics of pressure distribution
On the 1st, the winter-like pressure distribution continued around Honshu from the previous day. A new low pressure system has formed west of Hokkaido and is slowly moving south. On the 2nd, winter-like atmospheric pressure patterns will continue around Honshu. A low pressure system is moving southeast across the western Sea of Japan. Another low pressure system moves eastward east of Kanto. On the 3rd, the center of high pressure moved eastward from central China to the East China Sea, and the area around Honshu was covered by high pressure from the west. On the 4th, the center of the high pressure system moved south of Honshu, and the winter-like pressure pattern loosened. In northern Japan, a low-pressure system is moving eastward from the Sea of Okhotsk to the waters near the Chishima Islands. On the 5th, a low pressure system accompanied by a front moved east-northeast across the Sea of Japan while developing. A front extending from a low pressure system gradually approaches northern Japan. Later in the evening, another front emerged in the East China Sea. On the 6th, a low pressure system accompanied by a front rapidly developed and moved toward the Sea of Okhotsk, while the front stalled south of Honshu. A strong winter-like pressure pattern formed around Honshu over the 7th, and extremely cold air, with temperatures below -36 C at an altitude of approximately 5,500 meters, gradually flowed into the skies over northern Japan.

#Precipitation
On the 1st, snow continued to fall mainly on the Sea of Japan side due to a winter-like atmospheric pressure pattern. In Aomori, snowfall increased by 7 cm between noon and 1 p.m., setting a new record for snowfall and breaking the record for February. On the 2nd, snow and rain continue from northern Japan, mainly in the Sanin region. The trough in the sky caused rain and snow in western Japan and the Pacific side of eastern Japan. On the 3rd, as a high pressure system emerged from the west, the snow on the Sea of Japan side gradually eased, and by the 4th, the snow was limited to only Hokkaido and parts of Tohoku. On the 5th, due to the effects of a low pressure system and front, snow and rain fell in northern Japan through the night. Near Hokkaido, the wind gradually strengthened on the Sea of Japan side, and a blizzard warning was announced in Rumoi City and other areas late at night. Southern Kyushu and the Nansei Islands experienced rain due to the front, and heavy rain of 27.5 mm/h was observed in Onoma, Yakushima Town, Kagoshima Prefecture. On the 6th, a rapidly developing low pressure system caused a blizzard in Hokkaido. At Cape Soya, a maximum instantaneous wind speed of 35.6 m/s was observed. On the 7th, JPCZ headed for the San'in area, and snow became heavier from Hokuriku to the San'in area. In the Kanto region, snow fell even in flat areas due to localized fronts.

#Temperature
On the 1st, the whole country experienced mid-winter cold due to the chill in the sky. Temperatures were below normal on the Sea of Japan coast from northern Japan to the San'in area. In Naze, the flowering of Hikanzakura was announced. On the 2nd, the weather continued to be cold, mainly in Kia Japan, with snow and rain. The highest temperature in Sapporo was -0.2c, a midwinter day. In the morning of the 3rd, the temperature intensified mainly inland due to radiation cooling, and in Etanbetsu, Asahikawa City, Hokkaido, the lowest temperature in the morning was -26.7c. In Naha, it was announced that Hikanzakura trees are in full bloom. On the 4th, the first day of spring, the cold air in the sky recedes and temperatures rise in various places. Temperatures have risen significantly in northern Japan and Hokuriku, reaching 6.2c in Aomori. In Takada, Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture, the temperature rose to 9.0c, the same level as early March. On the 5th, warm air easily entered from the south, causing temperatures to rise across the region for the same time as the day before. In Tokyo, the temperature rose to 13.8c, which is as warm as mid-March. On the 6th, northern Japan experienced midwinter cold due to the effects of cold air associated with a low pressure system. The Kanto region and westward were blanketed in warm air, but winter-like pressure patterns strengthened over the next day, the 7th, and the country returned to the bitter cold of midwinter.

One-month forecast: The season quickly turns to spring; the Pacific side continues to experience drought

2026/02/13 22:11

On the 12th (Thursday), the Japan Meteorological Agency announced the latest one-month forecast, which shows the weather outlook for the next month.



The monthly average sea level pressure is expected to be lower than normal in the Sea of Japan, but relatively higher than normal in the East China Sea and south of Japan. Temperatures at an altitude of approximately 1,500 meters are predicted to be higher than normal, mainly in northern and eastern Japan. For this reason, northern and eastern Japan will be less susceptible to the effects of cold air. Temperatures are expected to be lower than normal in the East China Sea and south of Japan, and areas near Okinawa and Amami are expected to experience periods of cold air.

In the first half of the period, especially around the 15th (Sunday), temperatures are expected to be higher than normal across a wide range of northern and western Japan, with some places likely to be as warm as April. However, around the 17th, cold air is expected to temporarily move south, and the temperature will likely fluctuate significantly, so please be careful about your physical condition.



After that, temperatures will continue to be higher than normal, mainly from northern to eastern Japan. On the same day, the Japan Meteorological Agency announced ``early weather information regarding high temperatures,'' predicting that Hokkaido will experience ``significantly high temperatures'' starting around the 19th, and areas from Tohoku to the Tokai region starting around the 20th and 21st. In areas with heavy snowfall, such as from northern Japan to Hokuriku, rising temperatures may cause the snow to melt rapidly, increasing the risk of avalanches, especially in mountainous areas, so please be careful.
In areas on the Pacific coast, such as the Kanto and Tokai regions, cedar pollen is more likely to scatter when the weather clears and the temperature rises, so it's best to take precautions early.



Western Japan and the Pacific side of eastern Japan are expected to continue to experience low rainfall, and are likely to continue to suffer from water shortages. Please try to conserve water as much as possible. Also, as the drying tendency continues, you need to be careful when handling fire.

Enjoy the warmth of spring on Saturdays and Sundays, and be careful of melting snow and pollen scattering.

2026/02/13 13:41

Today, the 13th (Friday), there will be high pressure from the south, and many places across the country will be sunny. Warm air is flowing in easily, and the temperature will likely be higher than yesterday in many places.
On the Sea of Japan side of Hokkaido, there are places where it is snowing. On the other hand, there is a low pressure system moving east over the southeast coast of the Kanto region, and due to the influence of moist air, there are many clouds in parts of the Kanto region.



After this, the Kanto region will gradually become clearer in the afternoon. Snow will continue to fall in some places on the Sea of Japan side of Hokkaido. On the Japan Sea side of Tohoku, rain and snow are expected to start falling in the evening.



Tomorrow, the 14th (Saturday), a front will pass from the continent through the East China Sea near Kyushu, and it will gradually start raining in Kyushu from the afternoon. There are likely to be some areas where the rain will become heavier, especially late at night.
In other areas, it will be sunny or cloudy, and it will be sunny from mid-March to late March.

The next day, on the 15th (Sunday), a low pressure system accompanied by a front from the Sea of Japan is expected to pass near Hokkaido and head toward the Sea of Okhotsk. Rain and snow will fall on the Sea of Japan side of northern and eastern Japan. Due to the influence of warm, humid air flowing towards fronts and low pressure systems, there will be places in Hokkaido where it will rain instead of snow. Please be careful of snow melting disasters due to sudden temperature rise.



Temperatures will rise nationwide around the 15th (Sunday), and it will be as warm as March to early April.
In areas with heavy snowfall, be careful of avalanches caused by melting snow and snow falling from roofs.
Also, as the temperature suddenly rises and it becomes the warmth of spring, there will be places in western and eastern Japan where cedar pollen will start to scatter. If you are sensitive to pollen, please take precautions as soon as possible.




At the beginning of the week, winter cold will return in many places from around the 17th (Tuesday).As a low pressure system will pass around the 18th (Wednesday), snow and rain will fall mainly in northern and eastern Japan.

Rapidly developing low pressure system; blizzard warning in Hokkaido; widespread due to strong winter-like pressure distribution [Marine Summary 2/1-7]

2026/02/12 10:53

Due to the rapidly developing low pressure system, blizzard warnings were issued in some parts of Hokkaido.
The area around Japan often experienced winter-like atmospheric pressure patterns, and the gradient of atmospheric pressure became large, making the sea near Japan wide and barren.



#Pressure distribution and waves
On the 1st and 2nd, a winter-like pressure distribution occurred near Japan.
Also, the front from south of Okinawa to south of Japan moved eastward.
Winds strengthened across the country, and waves rose in the Sea of Okhotsk, the Sea of Japan, the eastern part of Japan, and the waters near the Sakishima Islands.
On the 3rd, the winter-like pressure pattern eased from the west, but a large gradient in the pressure continued, and waves rose from east of Japan to south of Okinawa and the East China Sea.
From the 6th to the 7th, a low-pressure system near the Soya Strait rapidly developed and moved toward the Sea of Okhotsk, causing a blizzard warning to be issued in some parts of Hokkaido.
A winter-like pressure pattern gradually became stronger around Japan, with storms occurring in the northern and central parts of the Sea of Japan, in the Yellow Sea on the 6th, and in the east of Japan and the East China Sea on the 7th.



#Sea surface temperature
Sea surface temperatures in the Japanese waters continued to be at or below normal in the northern part.
In the central and western regions, sea areas remained at or slightly above normal.
In the East China Sea, slightly higher waters have expanded.
The southern part of Japan was at a normal level, and the sea area from the Tokai coast to the Kanto coast continued to be slightly lower than normal.
Off the coast of Sanriku, the sea area continued to be higher than normal or significantly higher, with temperatures up to 4 C higher than normal.
The temperature off the southeast coast of Hokkaido was also higher or significantly higher than normal, with temperatures up to 4c higher.
In the Sea of Okhotsk, sea ice (black shaded area) is moving south.

Weather for the week: Warm weather ahead of the season; be careful of snowmelt disasters in areas with heavy snowfall

2026/02/12 08:04

From now on, temperatures will be higher than normal across the country, and many places will experience warm weather ahead of the season. Please be careful of snowmelt disasters in areas with heavy snowfall.



Tomorrow, the 13th (Friday), high pressure will come from the west, and many places will be sunny, especially in western and eastern Japan. However, in northern Japan, it is likely that rain and snow will gradually fall in the afternoon due to a trough in the atmospheric pressure and the passage of a low pressure system.

The day after tomorrow, the 14th (Saturday), it will be sunny in many places, and it looks like Hokkaido will also have some sunshine. However, a front will gradually approach from the west through the night, and it is likely to rain mainly in western Japan on the 15th (Sunday). In addition, another low pressure system is approaching near Hokkaido, and it is likely to bring rain and snow to northern Japan into the 16th (Monday). Although the area around Honshu will temporarily have high pressure in the west and low pressure in the east, it is unlikely to be extremely cold.

On Tuesday the 17th, the high pressure system is expected to gradually move away from the east of Japan, and the low pressure system will approach from the west. A low-pressure system will develop and advance along the southern coast of Honshu into the 18th (Wednesday), and there is a possibility that the weather will deteriorate widely, mainly on the Pacific side, so please pay close attention to future forecast changes.

From tomorrow, the 13th (Friday) to next week's 16th (Monday), warm air will prevail, and many places across the country will experience higher than normal temperatures. In areas with heavy snowfall, snow melts as temperatures rise, and the risk of avalanches on slopes increases, so please be careful. Also, be careful of accidents caused by snow falling from the roof.
In sunny areas from western Japan to eastern Japan on the Pacific side, there are likely to be areas where cedar pollen is more likely to be dispersed. If you are sensitive, please take serious measures.

El Nino Monitoring Bulletin: It is predicted that the possibility of El Nino phenomenon occurring through the summer will increase

2026/02/11 20:22

On the 11th (Wednesday), the Japan Meteorological Agency announced the latest El Nino monitoring bulletin.

Currently, conditions appear to be normal, with neither El Nino nor La Nina phenomena occurring, but conditions close to La Nina are believed to be on the way to being resolved.
It is expected that the probability of an El Nino phenomenon occurring will increase from spring to summer.

The difference in sea surface temperature in the El Nino monitoring area in January from the standard value was -0.4c, which is close to the standard value. Additionally, the five-month moving average used to determine the occurrence of El Nino and La Nina phenomena in October was -0.5 C, close to the standard value.
Sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean remained higher than normal in the western region and lower than normal in the central and eastern regions.
Surface ocean water temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean were higher than normal in the western and central regions, while lower than normal in the eastern region, but the anomalies were smaller than in the previous month.
Easterly winds (trade winds) in the lower atmosphere in the equatorial Pacific Ocean were slightly stronger than normal in the central and eastern regions, and convective activity was almost at normal levels near the international date line in the equatorial Pacific.

The above results indicate that although we are in a normal state where neither El Nino nor La Nina phenomena have occurred, conditions close to La Nina phenomena are on the way to being resolved.



According to the live report, warm water on the surface of the ocean from the western to central equatorial Pacific Ocean is moving eastward. The integrated atmosphere-ocean model predicts that sea surface temperatures in the El Nino monitoring area will gradually rise through summer as this warm water moves eastward.
Although it is expected that the value will be close to the standard value by the end of winter, there is a possibility that the value will remain higher than the standard value from spring to summer (however, there is great uncertainty in predicting El Nino events that will exceed the standard value during this period).

From the above, it is predicted that during the spring, the probability of an El Nino phenomenon occurring and the probability of normal conditions continuing are about the same (50%). However, in summer, although there is a possibility that normal conditions will continue (40%), the probability of an El Nino phenomenon occurring is expected to be relatively high (60%).


#What is the El Nino/La Nina phenomenon
The El Nino phenomenon is a phenomenon in which sea surface temperatures are higher than normal from the equatorial Pacific Ocean near the international date line to the coast of South America, and this condition continues for about a year.

On the other hand, a phenomenon in which sea surface temperatures continue to be lower than normal in the same area is called a La Nina phenomenon.

Once an El Nino or La Nina phenomenon occurs, it is thought that abnormal weather will occur all over the world, including Japan.

It will be sunny in many places in the second half of the week, and the weather will turn into the same weather as in March and April through the weekend.

2026/02/11 17:47

There is a low pressure system in the sea near Chishima and it is moving northeast.
Also, there is a low pressure system over the sea east of the Kanto region, moving northeast, and a front extending from the sea south of the Kanto region to the Okinawa region.

Currently snowing and raining on the Sea of Japan coast from Hokkaido to the Sanin area.
Also, there are places in the Kanto region, Kii Peninsula, and Shikoku where it is raining.

Today, due to the effects of low pressure and fronts, there were many places where it rained and snowed, but it is now gradually stopping in many places.



Tomorrow, snow and rain are expected on the Sea of Japan side from Hokkaido to Tohoku and Niigata prefectures due to cold air in the upper atmosphere and a winter-like atmospheric pressure pattern centered on northern Japan, but the day after tomorrow, the 13th (Friday), high pressure will spread over the Pacific side of northern Japan and western and eastern Japan, so it will be sunny in many places.





It will be relatively warm during the day, and it looks like it will be sunny around March.
During the weekend from the 14th (Saturday) to the 15th (Sunday), the weather is likely to deteriorate mainly in Hokkaido, northern Tohoku, and western Japan as a low pressure system and front approach and pass. However, as warm air enters the country, the weather will suddenly become spring-like, and it looks like rain will fall instead of snow in many places.

Temperatures are typical for this time of year in western Japan; cold protection is a must in the Kanto region; the weekend will bring spring warmth

2026/02/11 07:20

Today, the 11th, a low pressure system will pass near Honshu, and rain is expected to fall over a wide area around Japan.
During the day, the weather will gradually stop in many places in western Japan, mainly on the Pacific side, and the sun will return in the afternoon, so temperatures will likely rise in many places compared to yesterday (10th). It looks like the temperature will be typical for this time of year.

On the other hand, in many places in eastern Japan, including the Kanto region, the rain will gradually stop in the afternoon, but the rain is expected to last a little longer and the temperature will rise slowly. It looks like it's going to be a day in central Tokyo, where temperatures are expected to reach 8 degrees Celsius, making cold protection a must.

Northern Japan will be covered with warm air in the upper atmosphere during the day, so temperatures will be similar to March. In areas where there is a lot of snow, there is a risk that the snow will continue to melt, so be careful of snow falling from the roof or avalanches. Please be aware of changes in temperature as cold air moves in through the night.



Over the weekend, it is expected that cold air above Japan will be less likely to flow into the area, and it will be more likely to be covered by warm air from the south.
Temperatures are expected to rise throughout the weekend over the weekend, and from the 14th (Saturday) to the 15th (Sunday) will be the warmest of spring.
The temperature in central Tokyo on the 15th (Sunday) will be 17 degrees Celsius, which is expected to be as sunny as early April.
Also, the temperature is high on the Sea of Japan side where there is a lot of snowfall, and on the 15th (Sunday), it will be 11c in Aomori, 13c in Niigata, and 16c in Kanazawa, which is expected to be as warm as early April. As the snow continues to melt, you need to be careful about snowmelt disasters.

Today's weather on the 11th (Wednesday/Holiday): Umbrellas are in use across a wide area; heavy rain for the first time in a while on the Pacific side

2026/02/11 06:27

Today, the 11th (Wednesday), National Foundation Day, a low pressure system accompanied by a front is expected to pass near Japan. The weather will deteriorate over a wide area, mainly on the Pacific side, and it looks like the Pacific side will experience heavy rain for the first time in a while. In addition, another low pressure system will pass through northern Japan, so snow and rain will spread across northern Japan as well.



In Hokkaido, it snows easily, and the weather is like it rains on and off. It is expected to stop in many places on the Pacific coast in the afternoon, but there are likely to be some light snow showers on the Sea of Okhotsk and Sea of Japan sides into the evening.

In Tohoku and Hokuriku, it will fall as rain rather than snow in flat areas. In areas with heavy snowfall, snow melts rapidly, so please be careful of snow falling from roofs, deteriorating road conditions, and avalanches.

There will be widespread rain from eastern to western Japan. Precipitation will become stronger mainly on the Pacific side near the low pressure system, causing heavy rain and thunderstorms in some places, so caution is required. It's been a while since we've seen heavy rain on the Pacific side, so it looks like it's going to be a blessing.
There is a risk of heavy snow along the mountains of Koshin in the morning. Please be careful of traffic obstructions due to heavy snow and frozen roads.

In many places, the rain will stop during the day, and in many places in western Japan it will stop by noon, and in many places in eastern Japan, including the Kanto region, it will stop gradually in the afternoon. Please be careful not to leave your rain gear behind when you return.

Tomorrow, the 11th (Wednesday), a public holiday, will see rain and snow across the country, with heavy rain in Tokyo for the first time in three months.

2026/02/10 13:34

Today, the 10th (Tuesday), the area around Japan is covered in high pressure, and many places from Hokkaido to the Kinki region are sunny. On the other hand, due to the influence of moist air circulating around the edge of the high pressure system, clouds are increasing in Chugoku, Shikoku, and Kyushu, and it is starting to rain in some places in Kyushu.



Tonight, a low pressure system forming in the East China Sea is expected to approach the Kyushu area with a front. After this, the rain will spread from the west in the afternoon, and it is likely to rain over a wide area of western Japan by late evening.
There is a risk of heavy rain accompanied by thunder.

In the Hokkaido region, snow and rain will begin overnight due to another low-pressure system approaching from the Sea of Japan.



Tomorrow, the 11th (Wednesday), National Foundation Day, as a low pressure system develops and moves eastward over Honshu, active rain clouds will spread to eastern and northern Japan.
Rain and wind will be stronger, especially on the Pacific side near the center of the cyclone and the front.

Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected in the early hours of the next morning in Kyushu, from early morning until dawn in Shikoku and Kinki, and from morning to early afternoon in the Izu Islands.
Please be aware that there is a risk of strong gusts of wind such as lightning and tornadoes.

In the Kanto region, it will also rain mainly in the morning tomorrow.
In Tokyo, if the precipitation exceeds 10mm tomorrow, it will be the first heavy rain in three months since November 9th.
However, in the Koshin region such as Nagano and Yamanashi, it snows mainly in high altitude areas, and there may be places where it snows even in flat areas.

In the flatlands of Tohoku and Hokuriku, there are places where it rains instead of snow, so in areas with heavy snowfall, be careful of avalanches and falling snow caused by melting snow.



From the 12th (Thursday) to the 13th (Friday), high pressure will protrude from the west and it will be sunny in many places. In northern Japan, winter-like atmospheric pressure patterns will continue on the 12th (Thursday), and snow will continue on the Japan Sea side, but on the 13th (Friday), high pressure will cover the area, and the area of snow and rain will be narrower.

During the weekend from the 14th (Sat) to the 16th (Mon), temperatures are expected to be higher than normal.
The predicted maximum temperature for the 15th (Sunday) is 7c in Sapporo, which is similar to late March, 11c in Akita, 13c in Niigata, and 17c in Tokyo, which is similar to early April.