The Japan Meteorological Agency warned on Saturday of heavy snow, lightning, and strong winds through Sunday, centered on northern and western areas facing the Sea of Japan. A strong cold front is expected to bring snowfall even to Pacific-facing regions, with potential transportation disruptions. The forecast coincides with a nationwide election, raising concerns over impacts.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) warned on February 7 of severe weather through Sunday, with heavy snow, lightning, and strong winds forecast mainly in northern and western regions facing the Sea of Japan.
A strong cold front is set to move over Japan on Sunday, potentially causing heavy snowfall even in Pacific-facing areas, the agency said, urging caution for transportation disruptions.
Snowfall forecasts for the 24 hours through 6 a.m. Sunday include: Hokkaido, 50 cm; Tohoku, 40 cm; Kanto-Koshin, 20 cm; Hokuriku, 70 cm; Kinki, 50 cm; Chugoku, 60 cm; Shikoku, 10 cm; and northern Kyushu, 20 cm. Through 6 a.m. Monday: Hokkaido, 40 cm; Tohoku, 50 cm; Kanto-Koshin, 40 cm; Hokuriku, 70 cm; Tokai, 40 cm; Kinki, 70 cm; Chugoku, 70 cm; Shikoku, 20 cm; and northern Kyushu, 30 cm.
In the Kanto plain, 10 cm is expected through Sunday morning, with an additional 7 cm in the following 24 hours, totaling around 17 cm over the weekend. Southern Kanto, including Tokyo's 23 wards, could see some accumulation.
According to The Japan Times, this is the coldest air mass of the season, strengthening from Friday afternoon and bringing widespread snow to Hokkaido and Sea of Japan areas into Sunday. With a nationwide Lower House election upcoming, there are fears of voting disruptions due to transport issues. The JMA has called for preparations to avoid chaos during the election weekend.
Past incidents of flight cancellations and transport paralysis highlight the risks, especially with the election overlap.
