21-22nd Strongest cold wave of the season Warning-level heavy snowfall in western Japan? Winter storm in Hokuriku, wary of being stranded
December 19, 2023 18:28
The strongest cold wave of the season will flow in from the 21st (Thursday) to the 22nd (Friday). For the first time this season, there is a possibility of warning-level heavy snowfall from northern Kyushu to the Sea of Japan side of the Kinki region and even the Tokai region (Gifu Prefecture). The amount of snow will also increase in Hokuriku (including Niigata Prefecture), where active snow clouds from the Japan Sea Polar Air Mass Convergence Zone (JPCZ) flow.
The strongest cold wave of the season has arrived
From the 21st (Thursday) to the 22nd (Friday), a winter-like atmospheric pressure pattern will strengthen, and the strongest cold wave of the season will flow in. Cold air with temperatures below -6 degrees Celsius, which is expected to cause snow even on flat land at an altitude of 1,500 meters, is expected to cover the archipelago, and even stronger cold air, below -12 degrees Celsius, is expected to flow into western Japan.
Warning-level heavy snow threat
From the 21st (Thursday) to the 22nd (Friday), the weather will be rough from Kyushu to Hokkaido on the Sea of Japan side, and there is a risk of heavy snow not only along the mountains but also on the flatlands. For the first time this season, there is a possibility of warning-level heavy snowfall from northern Kyushu to the Sea of Japan side of the Kinki region and the Tokai region (Gifu Prefecture).
Furthermore, the amount of snow will also increase in Hokuriku (including Niigata Prefecture), where active snow clouds from the Japan Sea Polar Air Mass Convergence Zone (JPCZ)* flow. The winds will be strong and there is a risk of a blizzard.
Furthermore, there is a possibility that a small cyclone called a polar low will form over the sea west of Hokkaido. Due to the influence of the Polar Low, Rumoi City experienced the heaviest snowfall in recorded history starting on the 17th. There is also a risk of localized heavy snowfall, so please pay attention to the latest information.
Snow will continue to fall on the Sea of Japan side of Hokkaido from the San’in area on the 23rd (Saturday), and the snowfall will continue to increase.
※※The “Japan Sea Polar Air Mass Convergence Zone (JPCZ)” is the region where the cold winds flowing from the Siberian continent are once bisected by the Changbai Mountains (highest peak: Mt. Baekdu, 2,744 meters) located in the northern part of the Korean Peninsula, and is located on the leeward side of the mountain. This is a convergence zone (line where snow clouds are likely to develop) that is formed when the two converge again in the Sea of Japan. JPCZ makes it easier for snow clouds to develop, and when these snow clouds flow one after another, they often turn into heavy snow.
Car is equipped for winter
If you drive, be sure to use winter tires and chains, and carry winter gear such as shovels and sand in your car. Roads may be closed, so please consider taking detours or reconsidering your route.
Public transportation may also experience large-scale, long delays or suspensions. Please check the latest weather and traffic information, and in the case of heavy snow, refrain from going out unless necessary, such as by teleworking. If you need to go out, please allow plenty of time.
For information on the impact on each road, please refer to the tenki.jp road weather impact forecast.
Safety goods for driving on snowy roads just in case
When driving on snowy roads, it is a good idea to have the following items on hand in case you get stranded.
(1) Items that keep you warm, such as winter clothes, warmers, and blankets
Be prepared for the temperature inside your car to drop when the heating shuts off.
(2) Drinking water, emergency food, mobile battery, portable toilet, flashlight
Be prepared to spend a long time in your car and be prepared for trouble at night.
(3) Booster cable, tow rope, tire chain
It would also be a good idea to have a booster cable to use when the battery dies and a tow rope to help you escape if you are unable to start. Tire chains are also helpful in dealing with heavy snowfall that cannot be handled with studless tires alone.
(4) Work gloves, rubber gloves, boots, shovel
Make sure you have something ready to remove snow. If the muffler becomes buried in snow, exhaust gases may flow back into the vehicle and cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
When driving on snowy roads, be sure to have items in your car that will come in handy in case of an emergency. Additionally, make sure you have enough fuel before heading out. However, please check the weather and traffic information, and if heavy snow or blizzard is expected, consider changing your plans for going out or changing your means of transportation.
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2023-12-19 09:28:16
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