This winter, heavy snow has repeatedly occurred mainly on the Sea of Japan side.
Especially in the beginning of this month, the Japan Meteorological Agency found that the amount of snowfall was the highest since 1958, when statistics were collected on the Sea of Japan side of western Japan, resulting in record heavy snowfall and low temperatures.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, since mid-December last year, strong cold air has frequently flowed in and the winter-type pressure distribution has strengthened, resulting in repeated heavy snowfall, especially on the Sea of Japan side.
The 72-hour snowfall was the highest ever at 19 locations in Tohoku, Niigata Prefecture, and Hokuriku.
In particular, in the beginning of this month, when damages such as stalling occurred one after another, the amount of snowfall during the entire period was 4.4 times the normal on the Sea of Japan side of western Japan, the highest since 1958 when statistics were first collected, and Japan in eastern Japan. It is 3.5 times higher on the sea side, the highest number since 1986.
Looking at the cumulative snowfall this winter, the average of the snow-prone areas centered on the Sea of Japan side is 228 cm, which is more than 40% higher than the average of the past five years, three seasons before the record heavy snowfall. The number is comparable.
The temperature is also low, and the average temperature at the beginning of this month was 3.8 degrees lower than normal in northern Japan, the coldest since 1985, and 3 degrees lower than normal in western Japan.
Around 19th, there is a risk of snow and wind getting stronger again
About the future The Japan Meteorological Agency is calling attention to the latest weather information, saying that the winter-type pressure distribution will be strengthened again around next Tuesday, and snow and wind may be strengthened on the Sea of Japan side.
On the other hand, after the 21st of this month, the inflow of cold air will weaken, and the temperature is expected to be considerably higher than normal, especially in eastern and western Japan, so it is necessary to be careful about avalanches and falling snow from the roof.