Obihiro sets new 72-hour snowfall record as Japan experiences its strongest cold wave of the season
Japan is experiencing its strongest cold wave of the season, with multiple prefectures recording over 1 m (3.3 feet) of snowfall in just 72 hours, setting multiple records across the country.
Japan experienced its strongest cold wave of the season, bringing record snowfall to multiple prefectures, with several regions receiving over 1 meter (3.3 feet) of snow in just 72 hours.
Obihiro City, in the Tokachi region of Hokkaido, recorded 124 cm (48.8 inches) of snow in 72 hours as of 04:00 local time (LT) on Friday, February 7, 2025, setting a new record for the highest-ever 72-hour snowfall total for the city.
Shirakawa Village, in Gifu Prefecture, recorded the highest snowfall total of the season so far, with approximately 156 cm (61.4 inches) of snow in 72 hours as of 19:00 LT on Thursday, February 6, marking the highest February snowfall for the area.
Niigata Prefecture also recorded significant snowfall, with Yasuzuka, in Joetsu Municipality, receiving 130 cm (51.2 inches) of snow in 72 hours as of 04:00 LT on Friday, while Tokamachi recorded 125 cm (49.2 inches) in the same period. This set a new February snowfall record for both areas.
Between Friday night and Saturday morning, 50 cm (19.7 inches) of snow fell in Niigata City, while Aikawa, in Sado City, recorded 38 cm (15 inches). Both totals were the highest ever recorded, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
Snow also fell in areas that typically receive little snowfall, including Kyushu, Shikoku, and the Pacific side of the Tokai region. Meanwhile, Nagoya recorded 1 cm (0.4 inches) of snow for the first time in about a month.
More than 60 cm (23.6 inches) of snow is expected in the Hokkaido region within 48 hours leading up to 12:00 LT on February 10, while the Tohoku region is forecast to receive over 120 cm (47.2 inches) in the same period. Several regions are expected to record snowfall exceeding 100 cm (39.4 inches) in these 48 hours.
The maximum snowfall expected by Sunday morning is 80 cm (31.5 inches) in the Kanto-Koshin region and 70 cm (27.6 inches) in the Tohoku, Hokuriku, and Kinki regions, according to the agency. Authorities on the Sea of Japan side have warned of poor visibility due to whiteout conditions.
References:
1 Hokuriku region of Japan experiences record snowfall – Japan Today – February 8, 2025
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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