Monbetsu City, Hokkaido, which faces the Sea of Okhotsk, announced the "first day of drift ice berthing" on the 26th, saying that the drift ice berthed.
It is 13 days earlier than last year and 11 days earlier than normal.
Monbetsu City has been observing drift ice independently since 2008 after the Monbetsu weather station of the meteorological observatory was abolished.
According to the city, it can be visually confirmed that the drift ice that has approached 6 km offshore from the Sea of Okhotsk is connected to the frozen fast ice near the coast, and most of the observed sea surface is covered with ice. Therefore, on the 26th, we announced the "first day of drift ice berthing".
The "first day of drift ice berthing" in Monbetsu is 13 days earlier than last year and 11 days earlier than normal.
Drift ice berthing is also quiet without tourists
At the port in Monbetsu City, where the "first day of drift ice berthing" was announced, one side was covered with white ice.
Mr. Yasuji Katakura of the Fisheries Division of Monbetsu City, who is observing the drift ice independently, said, "It was the first day of the drift ice berthing earlier than last year. I hope the drift ice will stay as it is and it will be a winter like Monbetsu. I think it's very impressive because it's done. "
In addition, a man who runs a restaurant near the rock wall where the drift ice tourist boat is anchored said, "Although it should be crowded with foreign tourists at this time, it has been quiet since last year due to the influence of the new corona. It's a pity that there aren't many customers even though a lot of drift ice is coming. "