Key Facts
• From January 2 (Friday) to January 3 (Saturday), the strongest cold air of this winter, below -33°C at about 5,500 meters altitude, will flow into the Chugoku region.
• The winter pressure pattern will strengthen over the Chugoku region during this period.
• Heavy snow is expected in the Chugoku region from January 2 to 3, with snow clouds possibly developing beyond current forecasts.
• Continuous snowfall in the same area may lead to warning-level heavy snow.
• Snow and rain simulations indicate a high possibility of heavy snow mainly along the Japan Sea side, including Sanin and Hokuriku.
• Travelers during the New Year return rush should exercise caution due to potential heavy snow.
• Detailed 3-hour interval snow and rain simulations are available for January 1 to 5.
• Weather forecasts cover major cities including Sapporo, Sendai, Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, and Naha for 16 days.
Summary
The Japan Meteorological Agency forecasts the strongest cold air of the season, with temperatures below -33°C at approximately 5,500 meters altitude, moving into the Chugoku region from January 2 to 3. This will strengthen the winter pressure pattern, causing heavy snow in the Chugoku area. Snow clouds may intensify beyond current predictions, raising the risk of warning-level heavy snowfall if snow persists in the same locations. Additionally, snow and rain simulations suggest significant snowfall along the Japan Sea side, including the Sanin and Hokuriku regions. Due to these conditions, travelers during the New Year’s return rush are advised to be cautious. Detailed snow and rain simulations for January 1 through 5 provide further insights, and extended weather forecasts are available for major cities nationwide.
