2023-12-16 06:54:29
Intense cold air starting Sunday; fear of whiteout and heavy snow; snow likely to accumulate even in the flat areas of western Japan; cold in the middle of winter
December 16, 2023 15:54
On the 17th (Sunday), the winter-like atmospheric pressure pattern strengthened, and strong cold air flowed into western Japan. Snow will fall mainly from Hokkaido to Kyushu on the Sea of Japan side. The “Japan Sea Polar Air Mass Convergence Zone (JPCZ)” has also become apparent, raising the risk of heavy snowfall. The winds from Hokkaido to Hokuriku are very strong, and there may be places where it snows heavily. It looks like it’s going to be cold in the middle of winter.
Winter-like pressure distribution strengthens, intense cold air hits
From the 17th (Sunday) to the 18th (Monday), a winter-like atmospheric pressure pattern will strengthen and strong cold air will flow in. Cold air with temperatures below -6°C, which is expected to cause snow on flatlands at an altitude of around 1,500 meters, is expected to cover the archipelago, and even stronger cold air with temperatures below -12°C is expected to flow into parts of western Japan.
In addition, the Japan Sea Polar Air Mass Convergence Zone (JPCZ) will become apparent in the Sea of Japan, and active snow clouds will intermittently flow into the vicinity of Hokuriku (including Niigata Prefecture).
*The Japan Sea Polar Air Mass Convergence Zone (JPCZ) is a region where the cold winds flowing from the Siberian continent are once bisected by the Changbai Mountains (highest peak: Mt. Baekdu, 2,744 meters) located in the northern part of the Korean Peninsula, and the leeward area of Japan is the JPCZ. This is a convergence zone (line where snow clouds are likely to develop) that is formed when they meet again at the sea. JPCZ makes it easier for snow clouds to develop, and when these snow clouds flow one after another, they often turn into heavy snow.
Fear of heavy snow or blizzard
On the 17th (Sunday), snow will fall in Hokkaido, the Sea of Japan side of Tohoku, and Hokuriku, and there is a risk of heavy snow. The wind was extremely strong, reaching a speed of 35 m/s at times, making it difficult to stand without holding on to something. There is also the risk of a whiteout (a phenomenon in which visibility becomes completely white, making it impossible to discern direction, altitude, and terrain relief). Be wary of traffic disruptions caused by blizzards and snowdrifts.
Snow will fall from the northern Kinki region to the Sanin region. Snow will accumulate mainly along the mountains, and snow may also accumulate on the flatlands. Cars are equipped for winter, so be careful of snow and icy roads. It will snow temporarily in some places in northern Kyushu.
Although there will be periods of sunshine on the Pacific side, there are likely to be places where snow clouds will move in, such as along the mountains of Hokkaido, Tohoku, and northern Kanto, as well as the Tokai, Kinki, and Shikoku regions.
Snow will continue to fall on the 18th (Monday) from the Sea of Japan side of Hokkaido, mainly in the San’in area, and snowfall will increase. The above chart shows the snowfall forecast for the 48 hours until 12:00 on Monday the 18th. According to the Japan Weather Association’s calculations of snowfall amounts, it is likely that some places along the mountains from Hokkaido to Hokuriku will receive more than 100 centimeters of snow. Approximately 20 to 50 centimeters of snow is expected to fall in some places, even in flat areas. Approximately 15 to 20 centimeters of snow is expected to fall, mainly along the mountains, from the northern Kinki region to the San’in region.
Temperatures plummet in the cold of midwinter
On the 17th (Sunday), the temperature plummeted.
The maximum temperature will be 1℃ in Sapporo and 6℃ in Sendai, which will be as cold as January. Niigata City is likely to experience severe cold temperatures of 3 degrees Celsius in the middle of winter. It will be windy and freezing cold. The temperature in central Tokyo is 14℃, which is higher than normal, but it is likely to be about 7℃ lower than today. Temperatures in Nagoya and Osaka will be 7 degrees Celsius, and in Fukuoka city it will be 5 degrees Celsius, which is similar to midwinter. It’s going to get cold all of a sudden, so please take all possible measures against the cold.
Safety goods for driving on snowy roads just in case
When driving on snowy roads, it is a good idea to have the following items on hand in case you get stranded.
(1) Items that keep you warm, such as winter clothes, warmers, and blankets
Be prepared for the temperature inside your car to drop when the heating shuts off.
(2) Drinking water, emergency food, mobile battery, portable toilet, flashlight
Be prepared to spend a long time in your car and be prepared for trouble at night.
(3) Booster cable, tow rope, tire chain
It would also be a good idea to have a booster cable to use when the battery dies and a tow rope to help you escape if you are unable to start. Tire chains are also helpful in dealing with heavy snowfall that cannot be handled with studless tires alone.
(4) Work gloves, rubber gloves, boots, shovel
Make sure you have something ready to remove snow. If the muffler becomes buried in snow, exhaust gases may flow back into the vehicle and cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
When driving on snowy roads, be sure to have items in your car that will come in handy in case of an emergency. Additionally, make sure you have enough fuel before heading out. However, please check the weather and traffic information, and if heavy snow or blizzard is expected, consider changing your plans for going out or changing your means of transportation.
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