Northern and Central Japan to Experience Severe Wind and Snowfall

Affected by the eastward movement of an upper-level trough (Figure 1), heavy to severe snowfall is expected in parts of central and northern Japan over the next three days, with localized extreme or extraordinary heavy snowfall. The cumulative snowfall is anticipated to be between 10 and 20 mm, with some areas potentially exceeding 25 mm (Figure 2). These regions will also experience a temperature drop of 6 to 10 degrees Celsius, with localized surpassing 12 degrees Celsius, accompanied by strong winds of 7 to 8 on the Beaufort scale, with gusts reaching 8 to 9 (Figure 3). Attention should be given to the adverse impacts of the severe wind and snow conditions on local power facilities, transportation, and other industries.

Figure 1 500 hPa Geopotential Height (units: dagpm) and 850 hPa Wind Field (units: m/s) at 12:00 (UTC) on February 2, 2026

Figure 2  Accumulated Snowfall from 12:00 on January 31, 2026, to 12:00 on February 3, 2026 (UTC,unit:mm)

Figure 3 Maximum Gust Speed (in m/s) for 24 Hours as of 00:00 (UTC) on February 3, 2026

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Author: Zhang Suzhao                                  Reviewer: Zhang Bo 

English reviewer:Wang Yi                                                                       Issue approver:Dai Kan