Severe blizzards and heavy snow forecast across Japan as winter pressure pattern intensifies
Severe blizzards with heavy snow and strong winds are forecast to hit much of Japan through Monday, January 12, 2026. These conditions will affect areas across Hokkaido in the north to Kyushu in the southwest, especially along the Sea of Japan coast, with snow totals of up to 80 cm (31 inches) being forecast in mountainous regions.
Heavy snow accumulations at Hokkaido University, in Japan, on January 11, 2026. Credit: Kou
Blizzards and widespread heavy snowfall struck much of Japan over the weekend. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) warned that conditions will persist through Monday morning, with hazardous snow, strong winds, and disruptions to transportation.
Winds of 109 km/h (68 mph) recorded at Oki Airport in Shimane Prefecture during a three-hour period ending at 06:00 local time (LT) on Sunday. Meanwhile, 13 cm (5 inches) of snow fell in the city of Wakkanai, Hokkaido, over six hours through 05:00 LT.
The JMA forecasts heavy snow accumulations through Monday, particularly along the Sea of Japan side. Mountainous areas in the Tohoku region and the prefectures of Niigata and Gifu could see up to 80 cm (31 inches) of new snow in the 24 hours through Monday morning, and the Hokuriku region could receive up to 70 cm (28 inches).
Totals of up to 60 cm (24 inches) were forecast in the Kinki region, 50 cm (20 inches) in parts of Hokkaido, Kanto-Koshin and Chugoku, 25 cm (10 inches) in Shikoku, 15 cm (6 inches) in Aichi Prefecture, and 10 cm (4 inches) in northern Kyushu.
The storm’s strong winds and snowfall are typical of a deep winter monsoon pattern over the Sea of Japan. Cold northwesterly winds crossing the relatively warm sea surface pick up moisture and release it as snow when forced onto the Japanese Alps and coastal ranges. This configuration also caused blizzard conditions and “sea-effect” snow bands along the western coast.
JMA issued advisories and warnings for heavy snow and strong winds, urging residents and travelers to prepare for hazardous conditions, potential traffic disruptions, and secondary dangers such as avalanches, high waves, and power outages.
Transportation networks are already feeling the impact. Japan Railways companies report cancellations of some train services, particularly in the Tohoku and Hokuriku regions, where visibility and track conditions are worst.
Airlines All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL) have canceled multiple flights since Sunday morning, largely affecting routes connecting the San’in region and Hokuriku with other areas, and warn of additional cancellations depending on weather developments.
References:
1 Severe blizzards expected as snow blankets wide areas of Japan – NHK – January 11, 2026.
2 Heavy snow, strong winds expected across Japan – Xinhua – January 10, 2026
3 Blizzard warning for Sea of Japan (10/01/2026) – Barrier Free Japan – January
Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.
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