Northern and Central Japan Experience Frequent Snowfall

Over the next ten days, influenced by the persistent cold vortex (Figure 1), the Northeast Asian region will experience frequent cold air activities. Heavy snowfall is expected in central and northern Japan, North Korea, Sakhalin Island, and the Kamchatka Peninsula. These areas will generally see moderate to heavy snow, with some regions experiencing severe to extreme heavy snow. Accumulated snowfall is anticipated to range from 10 to 25 mm, with some areas receiving 35 to 60 mm. Notably, regions such as Niigata, Yamagata, and Toyama Prefectures in Japan could see accumulations of 75 to 90 mm, with localized totals exceeding 100 mm (Figure 2). Attention should be given to the adverse impacts of prolonged heavy snowfall on power infrastructure, transportation, and other sectors, as well as the risk of avalanches in high-altitude areas.

Figure 1. Average 500 hPa Geopotential Height (contours, units: dagpm) and Anomalies (shaded, units: dagpm) from 1200 UTC January 5 to 1200 UTC January 15, 2026

Figure 2. Forecast of Accumulated Snowfall from 1200 UTC January 5 to 0000 UTC January 15, 2026 (Shaded, Units: mm)

Author: Huo Da                                 Reviewer: Bao Yuanyuan 

English reviewer:Wang Yi                                                                       Issue approver:Dai Kan