Heavy Snowfall Expected Across Japan as Intense Winter System Moves In

Japan is preparing for a powerful winter weather system this weekend, as the coldest air mass of the season pushes southward and brings widespread heavy snowfall across large parts of the country.

According to weather forecasters, the system will begin strengthening from Friday afternoon and is expected to peak on Sunday. Extremely cold air moving into the upper atmosphere is likely to create highly unstable conditions, triggering rapid snow cloud development, particularly along regions facing the Sea of Japan.

Mountainous areas across northern and western Japan are forecast to receive significant snowfall, with some regions potentially seeing more than 50 centimeters of new snow. Lowland areas in the north may accumulate 10 to 30 centimeters, while snowfall could also extend into regions that typically experience lighter winter conditions.

Meteorologists warn that if snow bands remain stationary, localized snowfall totals could rise even further. Coastal and inland regions alike may be affected as cold air continues to spread across the country.

Authorities have issued cautions over transportation disruptions, including delays and closures on railways and highways, especially in areas already impacted by recent heavy snowfall. Travelers and winter tourism operators are advised to closely monitor weather updates and adjust plans accordingly.

The severe weather is expected to coincide with the weekend’s nationwide Lower House election, prompting officials to encourage early voting in regions where conditions may deteriorate.

For the winter sports and mountain tourism industry, the incoming system highlights both the opportunities and operational challenges that come with increasingly intense winter weather, underscoring the importance of safety planning, infrastructure readiness, and real-time weather awareness.

 

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Heavy snow forecast over weekend as nation set to go to polls