Regarding the heavy snowfall of this winter, which was a record snowfall in various places, a study group of the Japan Meteorological Agency by experts concluded that "it was not an abnormal weather, but it was a heavy snowfall that had a great impact on society." "There is no doubt that long-term global warming, such as rising sea surface water temperatures, has had an impact, and we need to continue our research in the future."
From late December to February last year, strong cold air frequently flowed in, snowfall exceeded normal, mainly on the Sea of Japan side, and reached 4 meters and 19 centimeters in Tsunan Town, Niigata Prefecture. It was the largest since I started collecting statistics at the observation point.
The Japan Meteorological Agency's "Abnormal Weather Analysis Study Group", which is made up of climate experts, held an extraordinary meeting to analyze this factor.
Professor Takashi Nakamura of the University of Tokyo, who is the chairman of the study group, said at the meeting, "It does not apply to" abnormal weather "in the sense that it occurs only once every 30 years, but it has a great impact on society, especially on the Sea of Japan side. It was a heavy snowfall to give. "
Regarding the cause of the inflow of strong cold air, the study group said that a phenomenon called "blocking" in which the high pressure stayed for a long time occurred in the eastern part of Siberia, which is north of Japan, and the westerlies meandered. Also seems to have affected.
Especially in the case of record heavy snowfall in Sanin and Kinki in late December last year, it is said that the sea surface temperature of the Sea of Japan was higher than normal.
Regarding this situation, Professor Nakamura said, "There is no doubt that long-term global warming had an effect." It has been pointed out that there is a possibility that it will increase, and it is necessary to accumulate research in the future. "