Why the heavy snowfall in early winter? Heavy snow warning tomorrow … Cold waves will hit again from the end of the year to the beginning of the year (Nichijo Forecaster December 19, 2020)

Why heavy snowfall in early winter? Tomorrow’s heavy snow warning … Cold waves will hit again from the end of the year to the beginning of the year

It has been a record heavy snowfall mainly in Gunma and Niigata prefectures, but there is a risk that snowfall will increase further tomorrow, including places that have already had heavy snowfall. Also, there is a chance that the winter general will move south again towards the end of the year, so it is important to prepare for early snow.

The snow gets stronger on Sunday

In the vicinity of Japan, winter-type pressure distribution is strengthening again. By tomorrow (20), snow is expected to increase mainly along the Sea of ​​Japan side of Hokuriku, Tohoku and Hokkaido, along the mountains and along the mountains in the northeast part of Kanma, such as the Gunma prefecture.

There is already a record of heavy snowfall in Gunma and Niigata prefectures, but there is a risk that it will increase further, even in these areas.

Also, as the west wind gets stronger, there are expected to be a few spots in Tohoku and Hokkaido.
You need to be cautious and careful about the impact of heavy snow on traffic, avalanches, and falling snow.

The cause of the series of heavy snowfalls.

It is believed that the cause of the record heavy snowfall in Gunma and Niigata prefectures is that strong cold air flowed into the vicinity of Japan during this period, the sea surface temperature of the Sea of ​​Japan was higher than normal and snow clouds formed. I will.

As a familiar example, the lower the temperature in an open-air bath, the more steam rises from the surface of the water, but even in the Sea of ​​Japan, cold air flows to the warm surface of the sea, facilitating development. of snow clouds. ..

Since the sea surface temperature remains high in early winter, it can be said that heavy snowfall is likely to occur again when strong cold air hits.

Beware of heavy snowfalls even during New Years and New Years holidays

According to the one-month forecast released by the Meteorological Agency on the 17th, the amount of snow in Hokuriku and the Sea of ​​Japan side of Tohoku and Hokkaido is expected to be higher than usual until mid-January.

In particular, cold air is expected to flow easily into Tohoku and Hokkaido during the end of the year and the New Year holidays, and there is a risk of heavy snow falling again at this time.

Winter has just begun, but unlike the winters of recent years, it seems better to prepare for the snow early.

Headquarters of the Japan Meteorological AssociationWeather Forecaster General Manager of Travel Business Management

Takumi Sato

We create weather manuscripts and articles for daily forecasters for broadcast stations, explain the weather on the radio, support programs on key private broadcast television stations, and provide weather advice. Registered as a meteorologist in October 2014. In addition to the weather forecaster, administrative books …