The Japan Meteorological Agency and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism held an emergency press conference on Monday (Jan. 19) afternoon, warning that from January 21, the Japan Sea side regions may experience "warning-level heavy snowfall" for five consecutive days, an exceptionally long-lasting snowfall that occurs only once every few years. They urged the public to remain highly vigilant.
The Meteorological Agency stated that from January 21 to 25, strong winter pressure patterns will persist near Japan, with heavy snowfall anticipated in the Japan Sea side regions from northern to western Japan, affecting both mountainous areas and plains, and significantly increasing the risk of accumulated snowfall.
If the "Japan Sea Polar air mass Convergence Zone" (JPCZ) in the Japan Sea stays in one place, snow clouds could keep coming into the same area, causing sudden heavy snowfall that might be more than expected. The Meteorological Agency highlighted that the main characteristic of this heavy snowfall is its "long duration," rather than merely the intensity of the cold air.
Kenichi Takahashi, head of the Meteorological Agency's monitoring and warning center, stated that while this cold air mass is not the strongest of this winter, such a prolonged period of cold conditions lasting at least five days is rare. Historical records indicate that this phenomenon occurs only once every few years, adding, "Although the intensity of the cold air is not particularly strong, the duration is indeed concerning."
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism warned that heavy snowfall may lead to vehicles being stranded, road closures, and transportation disruptions, urging the public to avoid unnecessary travel. In order to prevent emergencies, they also reminded drivers to switch to winter tires and prepare snow chains beforehand.
Furthermore, the Meteorological Agency predicts that after the current heavy snowfall period ends, another cold air mass may hit on Jan. 28.
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