New Zealand Local Weather Forum
Weather Discussion => International => Topic started by: Mark on July 16, 2020, 06:32:21 PM
-
A week of torrential rain pounded southwestern and central Japan, triggering severe flooding and landslides that killed at least 68 people. Kumamoto prefecture in Japan’s southern island of Kyushu has been hardest hit, and over the weekend residents braced for more extreme weather. On Saturday some areas observed more than 80 mm (3.15 inches) of rainfall per hour and 1,000 mm (more than 3 ft) over three consecutive days. Strong winds, lightning, and tornadoes were also added to the weather warning. The Ministry of Land reported 282 mudslide disasters across 27 prefectures with the largest number, 52, in Kumamoto prefecture.
Eastern and western Japan are on high alert for heavy 24-hour downpours with a risk that rivers in Iwate and Aomori could overflow. New mudslide warnings have also been issued for Kyushu as past rain loosens the ground and damaged river levees inundate low-lying areas.
Japan’s Meteorological Agency says the atmospheric conditions remain unstable over a wide area from western Japan to Tohoku as a result of an active weather front and low pressure system extending over the East China Sea to the Sea of Japan. Local heavy rains are expected to continue for 12 to 15 days.
https://thediplomat.com/2020/07/japan-hammered-by-record-breaking-torrential-rains-and-deadly-floods/
-
When officials decided to move the Olympic race walking and marathon events to Sapporo, they didn't expect the races to coincide with the city's longest heatwave in close to a century.
Image: Sapporo CBD. Source: Nryate, Wikimedia Commons.
Back in October 2019, the International Olympic Commitee (IOC) announced that the two outdoor endurance events would be moved from Tokyo to Sapporo. The reason was to reduce the amount of heat stress athletes would be facing in Tokyo during summer.
The move that made sense on paper. At this time of year, the average daytime temperature in Sapporo is around 5ºC cooler than Tokyo.
But this week, Sapporo is as hot as Tokyo as an oppressive heatwave plagues the Hokkaido city that hosted the Winter Olympic Games back in 1972.
Sapporo's average maximum temperature during July and August is about 25-26ºC. However on Monday, the city registered its 13th consecutive day above 30ºC for the first time in 97 years. Sapporo's 34.4ºC on Tuesday was 1.5ºC hotter than Tokyo. This run of days over 30ºC is likely to last until at least Sunday.
https://www.weatherzone.com.au/news/olympic-marathon-during-sapporos-longest-heatwave-in-97-years/534721
-
The MSM was keen to promote this year’s Olympic Games as potentially being the “hottest ever!”; but in reality, northern Japan is suffering all-time, never-before seen, record-breaking COLD — and it is going largely unreported.
In Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, the city of Wakkanai registered a daily high of just 51F (10.5C) this week — this was the city’s lowest August reading in 128 years of books, so since 1893 (the Centennial/Gleissberg Minimum).
The mercury plunged even lower overnight, as you’d expect — an astonishing 36.7F (2.61C) was logged early Thursday morning, Aug 11, according to local news station TV Asahi.
Shocked residents spoke of being able see their breath, in the height of summer.
https://electroverse.net/japan-suffers-coldest-summer-temp-in-128-years-noctilucent-clouds-persist-into-august/
-
HISTORIC SNOW HITS JAPAN
A strong, winter-like Arctic front has been gripping Eastern Asia in recent days.
Focusing in on Japan, the country’s northern prefecture of Hokkaido was hit by historic snowfall on Wednesday, November 24.
In Nayoro City, Hokkaido, for example, cars have been buried after flurries touched 60cm (1.97ft) — this reading is four times the normal amount, and it busted a new record for the month of November.
More impressive records fell elsewhere: “Although it’s still November, unprecedented heavy snow is hitting Northern Japan’s Hokkaido,” wrote Sayaka Mori on Twitter. “77cm (2.53ft) of snow fell in 24 hours (Tue-Wed) in Shumarinai, making it the heaviest since records started in 1981 (for any month of the year),” she added.
https://electroverse.net/historic-snow-hits-japan-russia-china-and-spain/
-
Japanese authorities ordered TEPCO Power to immediately up its electric supply by a further 1.32 GW on the evening Jan 6, following the addition of 1.22 GW ordered earlier in the day, after blistering cold across the country raised heating demand.
Japan’s spot electricity price has shot up over the last few days on a sudden drop in temperatures and a surge in demand.
“I think we will continue seeing spikes for mornings and evenings on cold days in the coming weeks,” one power trader said. “I don’t think the hike in prices is due to an outage at a power generation unit, it is more demand driven.”
This latest directive came as Tokyo, and its surrounding areas, were hit by record snowfall on Jan 6.
https://electroverse.net/record-snow-from-wa-to-ny-japans-frigid-lows-record-snows-vancouver-island/
-
Eastern Asia has been copping dangerously-cold and snowy conditions these past few weeks, with thousands of North Koreans reported ‘vanished’ during bouts of plunging temperatures, failing infrastructure and food shortages.
Looking to Japan, Monday morning (Jan 30) has delivered more exceptional lows and historic snows.
It was another frigid day in Hokkaido, for example, with a staggering six stations dropping below -30C (-22F) — with a record -32.6C (-26.7F) registered at Shumarinai. While Bibai, located in Sorachi Subprefecture, Hokkaido, posted -29.6C (-21.3F) — the locale’s new all-time record low in books dating back to 1977.
https://electroverse.co/siberia-japan-freese-snow-in-mallorca-south-pole-cooling-trend/
-
Despite regional pockets of heat, the Asian continent is actually holding anomalously cold.
From European-Russia, to Siberia, to Mongolia, much of Asia is currently under ‘blues’ and ‘purples’, it is really only Kazakhstan that is feeling the summer heat — this after what proved a historically cold winter for the transcontinental landlocked country.
And China, despite the extensive warm-mongering MSM reporting is now also swinging to anomalous cold:
GFS 2m Temperature Anomalies (C) for Friday (July 14)
The northern half of China, in particular, is on course to suffer exceptional summer chills over the next week-or-so, readings some 18C below the multidecadal norm.
In fact, cold is already gripping the far northeast, and is readily spilling across the Sea of Japan:
https://electroverse.info/july-snow-bc-where-has-the-summer-gone-utahs-historically-cold-2023-cold-engulfs-japan/
-
Some buildings in Wajima city collapsed due to Monday's earthquake.
A 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck western Japan on Monday afternoon, triggering tsunami alerts as far away as eastern Russia and prompting a warning for residents to evacuate affected coastal areas of Japan as soon as possible.
The earthquake struck at 4:10 p.m. local time at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles), around 42 kilometers (26 miles) northeast of Anamizu in Ishikawa prefecture, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The Japan Meteorological Agency immediately issued a tsunami warning along coastal regions of western Japan, and the first waves were reported hitting the coast just over 10 minutes later.
Some of the first reports came from the city of Wajima in Ishikawa prefecture, which saw tsunami waves of around 1.2 meters (3.9 feet) around 4:21 p.m., according to Japanese public broadcaster NHK. No immediate damage was reported.
Suzu city officials in Ishikawa told CNN that buildings have been damaged and there were reports of injuries. Police in the city said some people were trapped in damaged houses, according to NHK. No deaths have been reported so far.
A major tsunami warning was in place in the city of Noto in Ishikawa, with waves of around 5 meters expected, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
https://www.sott.net/article/487376-Massive-7-5-magnitude-earthquake-hits-western-Japan-triggering-tsunami-warnings-at-least-48-dead-UPDATE
-
A powerful M7.6 earthquake centered in the Noto region of Ishikawa Prefecture, central Japan, on January 1, 2024, was followed by intense snowfall a week later, creating very hard conditions for survivors and complicating rescue efforts. On January 8, authorities reported 161 fatalities caused by the earthquake and 305 people missing.
Areas affected by the recent M7.6 earthquake in central Japan’s Ishikawa Prefecture are now facing intense snowfall, creating additional challenges for survivors and rescue teams. The Japan Meteorological Agency and authorities are urging people to take extra caution, particularly with quake-damaged buildings at risk of collapse under the weight of the snow, and to stay warm amid the severe cold to prevent hypothermia.
https://watchers.news/2024/01/08/heavy-to-record-breaking-snowfall-hitting-japan-including-earthquake-hit-ishikawa-prefecture/
-
This week, Japan has been engulfed by a mass of descending Arctic air.
March-like cold has gripped the entire country:
The northern prefecture of Hokkaido has posted some of the coldest temperatures.
Asahikawa's low of -1.2C (29.8F) on Thursday —for example— has been confirmed as the city's coldest May temperature since 2005. Teshio dipped lower still, the -4.9C (23.7F) registered there is the town's second-lowest temperature ever recorded (in books dating back to 1978), bested only by the -5.7C (21.7F) set during the May of 2009 (the deep solar minimum of weak cycle 23).
May snow has even been falling in these parts, even after Golden Week — a big national holiday running from 29 April to 5 May.
More than 10 cm (4 inches) has hit the higher elevations, while even lower down, on the Sea of Okhotsk, substantial flurries have been noted for the time of year, as revealed by the below webcam shot of the Ukishima Tunnel on National Route 273:
https://electroverse.substack.com/p/record-may-cold-in-japan-ipcc-arctic
-
Polar cold has gripped Japan this week, felling long-standing temperature records.
The northern Tōhoku region has copped the worst of it, with Yabukawa posting -1.8C (28.8F) on May 26, its lowest May reading since the -1.9C (28.6F) set on May 29, 1989.
It's proving an unsettled bag for eastern Asia this week, with fierce cold anomalies striking through the heart of the region:
GFS 2m Temperature Anomalies (C) May 29 [tropicaltidbits.com].
While for the continent at large, pinks and purples have been dominating large swathes, most notably in Russia and Kazakhstan:
GFS 2m Temperature Anomalies (C) May 29 [tropicaltidbits.com].
Heavy and rare late-May snows have also been noted, across the likes of Kyrgyzstan, including in Kopuro-Baza, Talas on May 26:
https://electroverse.substack.com/p/record-cold-strikes-japan-frigid
-
Polar cold has gripped Japan this week, felling long-standing temperature records.
The northern Tōhoku region has copped the worst of it, with Yabukawa posting -1.8C (28.8F) on May 26, its lowest May reading since the -1.9C (28.6F) set on May 29, 1989.
It's proving an unsettled bag for eastern Asia this week, with fierce cold anomalies striking through the heart of the region:
GFS 2m Temperature Anomalies (C) May 29 [tropicaltidbits.com].
While for the continent at large, pinks and purples have been dominating large swathes, most notably in Russia and Kazakhstan:
GFS 2m Temperature Anomalies (C) May 29 [tropicaltidbits.com].
Heavy and rare late-May snows have also been noted, across the likes of Kyrgyzstan, including in Kopuro-Baza, Talas on May 26:
https://electroverse.substack.com/p/record-cold-strikes-japan-frigid
-
Jeremy Gray
Petapixel.com
Mon, 29 Jul 2024 13:15 UTC
mmmmmm
Incredible new footage shows the Sakurajima volcano erupting in Kyushu, Japan today, spewing volcanic ash high into the air and causing Japanese authorities to issue an ash advisory.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1817852690690371729
Sakurajima, also known as "Cherry Blossom Island," is a stratovolcano, and its summit has three peaks, Kita-dake, Naka-dake, and Minami-dake, the lattermost of which remains active. The peninsula has a relatively small population of a few thousand residents and is a popular tourist destination thanks partly to artisan pottery made using volcanic ash.
The latest eruption, captured on video by Nobumi Moriya and shared by Volcanholic1 on Threads, sent ash plumes up to six kilometers (3.7 miles) into the air above Minami-dake.
https://www.sott.net/article/493555-Footage-shows-the-scale-of-new-eruption-at-Sakurajima-volcano-in-Japan
-
One person was killed and at least seven were missing on Sept 21, officials said, as "unprecedented" rains triggered floods and landslides in Japan's quake-hit region of Ishikawa, where authorities told tens of thousands to evacuate.
A dozen rivers in the region, on the west coast of central Japan that was hit by a large quake on New Year's Day, had burst their banks as at 11am (10am Singapore time), Land Ministry official Masaru Kojima said.
One person was killed, three people were missing and two people were seriously injured in Ishikawa, the region's government said in a statement, with two of the missing reportedly carried away by strong river currents.
Another four people, who were working for the land ministry to restore a road in Wajima, were also missing, ministry official Koji Yamamoto told AFP.
"About 60 people have been working to restore a road hit by the quake but a landslide occurred" on Sept 21 morning, he said.
"I asked (contractors) to check the safety of workers... but we are still unable to contact four people."
https://www.sott.net/category/4-Earth-Changes?page=1
https://youtu.be/bmj4-nK29E8
-
Japan's ski resorts are experiencing one of their snowiest starts to a season on record, with several resorts reporting snow depths exceeding 400 cm (13 feet).
ARAI Snow Resort in Myoko City, Niigata is currently leads with 486 cm (16 ft), owing to an extra 53 cm (1.74ft) over the past 24-hours.
In total, some 30 ski areas across the country are reporting snow depths above 300 cm. Resorts in Niigata, Nagano, and Yamagata dominate the list.
Aomori Prefecture, Japan
While Japan is no stranger to heavy snow, this season stands out.
Several resorts have already surpassed their average peak season snow depths, and conditions rival some of the heaviest winters on record, particularly at ARAI, Charmant Hiuchi, Tengendai Kogen, and Hakuba Happo-One—to name just four.
The snowy conditions are forecast to persist; historically, Japan sees its heaviest snowfall from mid to late January.
https://electroverse.substack.com/p/japan-resorts-near-5-meters-164-feet
-
Japan has been experiencing extraordinary snowfall this winter, even by its standards. As of Jan 31, at least 32 locations have depths exceeding 300 cm (9.8 feet).
Arai Snow Resort in Myoko City, Niigata, stands out with a staggering 526 cm (17.3 ft).
Other major ski areas, including Charmant Hiuchi (480 cm / 15.7 ft) and Hakuba Happo-one (440 cm / 14.4 ft), continue to see heavy accumulation, providing stellar conditions for winter sports but also posing challenges in terms of avalanches, transportation, and infrastructure maintenance.
The snowfall has been particularly intense in Niigata, Nagano, and Aomori prefectures, where records have fallen.
https://electroverse.substack.com/p/snow-in-japan-exceeds-17-feet-another
-
A powerful low-pressure system is unleashing record-breaking snowfall along Hokkaido's Pacific coast, with the city of Obihiro accumulating more than 1 meter of snow in just 12 hours through Tuesday.
Heavy snowfall has persisted since Monday night, with Obihiro recording 120 centimeters in the 12 hours through noon on Tuesday, the highest on record for the city. Snow depth in the city has now surpassed 120 centimeters, a level last seen in 1972, according to private weather forecaster Weathernews.
While the cold front's impact is most pronounced in the northern regions along the Sea of Japan, the cold air mass is also pushing westward, spreading snow to the Kyushu region facing the East China Sea and the Shikoku region facing the Seto Inland Sea.
In some parts of Kyushu, temperatures have dropped below minus 12 degrees Celsius, according to Weathernews. Kagoshima Prefecture is experiencing steady snowfall, with accumulations visible on grassy surfaces in..
https://youtu.be/G9YGx_7dZJ4
https://www.sott.net/article/497672-Record-breaking-snowfall-hits-Hokkaido-as-cold-front-sweeps-Japan-120-cms-nearly-4-FEET-of-snow-in-just-12-hours-with-more-heavy-falls-forecast
-
Japan is enduring its strongest cold wave in years, which is dropping additional record snow to multiple regions.
The Hokuriku region has been hit especially hard, with Niigata City posting 12-hour totals of 50 cm (19.7 inches), with Aikawa in Sado City seeing 38 cm (15 inches)—both the highest ever recorded, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).
The cold wave has led to unprecedented snowfall totals across the country. Obihiro City in Hokkaido’s Tokachi region recorded 124 cm (48.8 inches) of snow in just 72 hours (as of Feb 7), setting a new all-time record for the city.
In Gifu Prefecture, Shirakawa Village experienced its highest February snowfall on record, with 156 cm (61.4 inches) settling in 72.
Niigata Prefecture also saw staggering totals. Yasuzuka in Joetsu Municipality received 130 cm (51.2 inches) of snow in 72 hours, while Tokamachi recorded 125 cm (49.2 inches) in the same period--both, again, setting new February records.
Three resorts have now exceeded 600cm (20 ft) for the season — these being Happo-one in Nagano Prefecture with 620cm, Arai in Niigata Prefecture with 614cm, and Charmant Hiuchi, also in Niigata, with 600 cm.
https://electroverse.substack.com/p/snow-records-continue-to-fall-across
-
Ski resorts in Yuzawa Town in Japan's Niigata prefecture have endured one of the most chaotic weeks in recent memory, with strong winds and heavy snowfalls burying chairlifts and forcing lift closures.
Kagura Ski Resort bore the brunt of the storms, reporting three metres of snow in just three days, forcing a total suspension of lift operations on Wednesday and Thursday and partial closures at other times.
GALA Yuzawa ski resort was closed for the day on Friday - the first time is has ever completely closed due to heavy snowfall, according to a post on Snow Japan.
A Facebook post from Kagura on February 20, which has now had more than 4,000 engagements, apologised for the interruption and pleaded with followers for their understanding.
https://www.sott.net/article/498024-Japanese-ski-resort-receives-staggering-3-meters-of-snow-in-3-days
https://youtu.be/c6ETFq5xKg4
-
It may be mid-spring but Japan’s Gassan ski area is just getting started — and it’s buried under record snow. The resort opened April 11 with a staggering 950 centimeters (374 inches) of snow.
Located on Mount Gassan in Yamagata Prefecture, the ski area is inaccessible during winter due to extreme snowfall. Snowplows don’t reach the 7 mile access road until April, when massive snow walls become a tourist attraction themselves.
This year’s winter dumped so much snow that even three weeks after opening, the base remains at 890 centimeters (350 inches).
The resort is expected to run until July, or as long as the snow holds.
-
Japan is being hit with an unusually sharp mid-spring cold snap.
Minimum temperatures plunged across the country on May 11, with Amami and Okinawa notably affected. Tmins across the archipelago dropped to levels typically seen in mid-March, setting new records for early May.
Naha, for example, dropped to 17.2C (63F)—its coldest reading during the first-half-of-May since the 16.3C (61.3F) on May 14, 2011.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) recorded dozens of stations threatening May Tmin records, especially across northern and inland regions.
[JMA]
This cold follows a record-breaking winter for snowfall.
https://electroverse.substack.com/p/cold-sweeps-japan-after-historic
-
The Asahi Shimbun
Wed, 18 Jun 2025 18:02 UTC
People try to ward off the heat in Tokyo’s Minato Ward on the morning of June 17.
© Minako Yoshimoto
People try to ward off the heat in Tokyo’s Minato Ward on the morning of June 17.
Four people died from suspected heatstroke in and around the Kanto region on June 17, the start of an expected days-long period of extreme heat across the nation.
The Japanese archipelago was enveloped in warm air from the south and a high pressure system, leading to temperatures of 35 degrees or higher at 65 of 914 observation points as of 5 p.m. on June 17.
The hottest location was Kofu, at 38.2 degrees, followed by Takasaki in Gunma Prefecture at 37.7 degrees and Shizuoka at 37.6 degrees. These were the hottest temperatures so far in 2025.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, 547 locations recorded temperatures of 30 degrees or higher, including downtown Tokyo at 34.8 degrees, Sendai at 34.7 degrees, and Osaka at 33.4 degrees.
https://www.sott.net/article/500208-Temperature-extremes-4-die-of-suspected-heatstroke-in-Japan-38-2-degrees-centigrade-recorded-more-days-of-searing-weather-forecast
https://youtu.be/doMOO71R_-Q
-
Holly Bishop
The Independent
Fri, 11 Jul 2025 13:43 UTC
mmmmmmm
Watch as record rainfall in Japan fully submerges roads in water as drivers try to wade their way through the severe flooding.
Footage recorded on Thursday (10 July) shows queues of cars in an underpass in Shibuya, Tokyo driving through huge floods as 100mm of rainfall accumulated across the capital.
Multiple "record-breaking short-duration heavy rain" warnings were issued, mainly in the Kanto-Koshin region amid the record breaking rainfall.
The downpour also caused the Meguro River to reach the "flood risk water level," the threshold at which evacuation orders can be issued by local authorities.
https://www.sott.net/article/500601-Japan-record-rainfall-submerges-roads-in-water-as-drivers-wade-through-severe-flooding
https://youtu.be/OmL9XyXXlxg
-
Torrential rains have battered Japan's southern Kyushu Island, triggering severe floods and landslides that forced mass evacuations and brought local transport to a standstill.
Authorities have issued the highest level of weather warnings across parts of the region.
According to Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency, a powerful landslide struck a home in Aira, Kagoshima Prefecture, burying two individuals who were later rescued alive and transported to the hospital.
Evacuation orders have been issued for more than 360,000 residents in Kagoshima and neighboring Miyazaki Prefecture as rainfall continues to pose serious risks of further landslides and flash floods.
Television footage showed muddy waters surging through swollen rivers. In Kirishima City, floodwaters reached knee-level inside a commercial center, prompting emergency evacuations and temporary closures.
The extreme weather has paralyzed local transport networks, with rail and bus services suspended across the region. Dozens of domestic flights to and from Kagoshima have also been canceled due to safety concerns.
In response to the escalating crisis, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's government formed an emergency task force to coordinate relief and rescue operations.
The prime minister assured citizens that the government would take all necessary measures to protect lives and ensure public safety.
https://www.sott.net/article/501119-360000-urged-to-evacuate-in-Kyushu-Japan-as-floods-and-landslides-hit-record-rainfall-of-19-6-inches-in-24-hours-twice-the-average-for-August
https://youtu.be/I97aJfDSPls
-
The Japan Meteorological Agency says a tornado that swept through a swath of Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, last Friday is likely to have been one of the strongest ever recorded in the country.
The agency classified a strong gust of wind that hit areas stretching from the city of Makinohara to the town of Yoshida amid an approaching tropical storm as a tornado, after inspecting the extent of damage it left.
It estimated that the wind gusted to approximately 270 kilometers per hour -- powerful enough to deform the exterior walls of a steel-frame building.
The officials rated the intensity of the tornado as a three on the Japanese Enhanced Fujita Scale of zero to five.
https://www.sott.net/category/4-Earth-Changes?page=2
The Japan Meteorological Agency says a tornado that swept through a swath of Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, last Friday is likely to have been one of the strongest ever recorded in the country.
The agency classified a strong gust of wind that hit areas stretching from the city of Makinohara to the town of Yoshida amid an approaching tropical storm as a tornado, after inspecting the extent of damage it left.
It estimated that the wind gusted to approximately 270 kilometers per hour -- powerful enough to deform the exterior walls of a steel-frame building.
The officials rated the intensity of the tornado as a three on the Japanese Enhanced Fujita Scale of zero to five.
https://www.sott.net/category/4-Earth-Changes?page=2
https://youtu.be/aAMuKP4OB7o
-
Japan's ski resorts are experiencing one of their snowiest starts to a season on record, with several resorts reporting snow depths exceeding 400 cm (13 feet).
ARAI Snow Resort in Myoko City, Niigata is currently leads with 486 cm (16 ft), owing to an extra 53 cm (1.74ft) over the past 24-hours.
In total, some 30 ski areas across the country are reporting snow depths above 300 cm. Resorts in Niigata, Nagano, and Yamagata dominate the list.
Aomori Prefecture, Japan
While Japan is no stranger to heavy snow, this season stands out.
Several resorts have already surpassed their average peak season snow depths, and conditions rival some of the heaviest winters on record, particularly at ARAI, Charmant Hiuchi, Tengendai Kogen, and Hakuba Happo-One—to name just four.
The snowy conditions are forecast to persist; historically, Japan sees its heaviest snowfall from mid to late January.
"Juhyo", or "snow monsters", occur when unique frost formations form on trees. Aomori is one of the few places you can view them.
https://electroverse.substack.com/p/japan-resorts-near-5-meters-164-feet
-
Polar cold has swept northern Japan, delivering the season’s first true taste of winter.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) map for October 23 shows widespread single-digit highs across Hokkaido and northern Honshu.
Highs struggled to 6C (43F) in Nayoro, 7C (45F) in Wakkanai and Asahikawa, and barely 11C (52F) in Sapporo — all around 4-6C below average.
The chill came as strong Arctic air spilled south, triggering snow across the north, including on Mt Fuji (video), and dipping overnight readings below freezing in many spots.
Early accumulations are possible even on low ground, notes UHB Hokkaido News.
https://electroverse.substack.com/p/winter-arrives-in-northern-japan
-
A rapidly deepening low-pressure system unleashed heavy snow and strong winds across Hokkaido this week, disrupting transport and power across northern Japan.
The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that 14 locations, mainly in eastern Hokkaido, logged 50 cm (19.7 inches) or more in the 24 hours to 8 AM (local time) on Dec 15.
Totals peaked at 68 cm (26.8 inches) in Kamisatsunai and Taiki in the Tokachi region, with 56 cm (22 inches) settling near Lake Akan in the Kushiro area.
https://electroverse.substack.com/p/blizzard-slams-hokkaido-japan-northeast
-
By Sunday afternoon, snowfall had pushed beyond 180 cm (71 in) at Aomori, Japan.
This has been confirmed by the JMA as the city’s heaviest accumulation in 80 years.
The depth and persistence of the snow exceed anything seen in the modern local record, overwhelming transport and daily life across Aomori Prefecture.
https://electroverse.substack.com/p/aomoris-heaviest-snowfall-in-80-years
-
Widespread snowfall across Japan was followed Monday by a sharp plunge in temperatures.
The cold was national in scale, with the freezing mark breached across more than 90% of Japan.
In Tokyo, both Narita International Airport and Haneda Airport logged their coldest readings on record, with thermometers crashing -9.7C (15F) and -3.8C (25F), respectively. In total, at least six locales broke their all-time low temperature record.
[Sayaka Mori]
In the capital itself, Tokyo fell below -3C (27F), marking its coldest February temperature in 42 years.
The combination of usually far-reaching snow cover (which stretches to the Pacific side as well as the Sea of Japan side) and entrenched Arctic air has locked in an unprecedented chill.
https://electroverse.substack.com/p/japans-record-february-cold-snow
-
At least six locations in Japan recorded record-breaking cold on the morning of February 9, 2026, as temperatures fell below -3°C (26.6°F) for the first time since 1984. The death toll from the record-breaking snowfall since January 20 has climbed to 46 as of February 10.
Record-breaking cold has struck parts of Japan following deadly heavy snowfall since late January.
At least six all-time cold records were set on the morning of February 9, as temperatures in Tokyo fell below -3°C (26.6°F) in February for the first time in 42 years, reported Sayaka Mori, broadcast meteorologist at NHK.
"Narita and Haneda Airports both logged their coldest mornings on record, with sub-zero temperatures covering over 90% of Japan," Mori said.
The temperature at Haneda Airport dropped to -3.8°C (25°F), while Narita Airport recorded -9.7°C (15°F) on the morning of February 9.
Oume recorded the coldest February morning on record, with temperatures dropping to -10.3°C (13°F). Kanuma (-11.7°C/11°F), Nakasugawa (-10.7°C/13°F), and Yao (-4.8°C/23°F) all saw their coldest February morning on record on February 9.
This comes as the death toll from the record-breaking snowfall rose to 46 and injured at least 558 people, of whom 193 suffered serious injuries, according to the Japanese fire and rescue department (FDMA).
The snowfall has destroyed at least one building and partially destroyed two, while at least 58 buildings were damaged.
https://youtu.be/AqszBT7BU0k
-
This winter's record snowfall that has hit the Tohoku region and Niigata Prefecture has caused serious agricultural damage such as breaking branches on fruit trees and causing vinyl greenhouses to collapse.
Because many farm roads remain buried in snow, confirming the extent of the damage done so far will take a long time, and it could be worse than in typical years.
"I can only sigh because more branches have been broken than last year," a farmer said in mid-February while carefully digging up branches buried in the snow in an apple orchard in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture. In January, the city saw a record snowfall of 148 centimeters.
Last winter, broken branches on apple trees alone caused more than ¥20 billion in damage in the prefecture. The yield from his 5-hectare farm dropped by nearly 10 tonnes, down over 10% from typical years. Branches have been broken over a wide area this year, and he said, "I'm afraid this year's yield will be lower than last year's."
In Kita-Akita, Akita Prefecture, where 160 centimeters of snow fell in the downtown area in January, about 70 structures such as vinyl greenhouses and coops for "Hinai Jidori" chickens suffered damage from heavy snowfall.
A vegetable farmer said 10 of his greenhouses, nearly half of the total, have been damaged. His spinach and kogomi ostrich fern plants have been left buried in the snow without being harvested, and his tractor is snowbound. He estimates the damage to be about ¥40 million.
"I've never seen snow like this before, and the surge in material prices makes it difficult to rebuild my greenhouses." he said.
Niigata Prefecture, which has also seen heavy snowfall in some areas, has confirmed damage to about 190 agricultural facilities in nine municipalities in the prefecture as of Feb. 26.
https://www.sott.net/article/504958-Record-snowfall-in-Japan-causes-serious-agricultural-damage-in-Tohoku-Region