Home / Editor's Pick /

Disruption until weekend: Record snowfall over northern Japan

11:44
5 February 2025

Disruption until weekend
Record snowfall over northern Japan

Record-breaking amounts of snow has fallen over parts of Japan in recent days, in some areas, up to 396 cm.

A low-pressure system intensified over the Sea of Japan before reaching Hokkaido, and parts of Honshu. Two of Japan's northern islands.

The result of up to 396 cm of snow at Sukayu Onsen, in Aomori, breaking several all-time records in 12 hours including 129 cm of snow in Obihiro on Friday, January 31st, a national record for a station at 35 m elevation.

These intense wintry conditions have resulted in a number of stranded drivers calling emergency services for help after attempting to travel.

Roads are closed, trains are not running, and around 360 schools were closed on Tuesday across Hokkaido.

Snow is expected to continue falling across the region into the weekend at least. Check the WeatherRadar to see for yourself.

Snowdrop season: First signs of spring
Weather & Radar editorial team
More on the topic
Shooting stars, part of the Geminid meteor shower.
Saturday, 13 December 2025

Spot a shooting star

King of meteor showers at its peak
Weather map showing temperatures and a 4,542 mile route arrow over the Atlantic. Symbols indicate sun, clouds and precipitation from North America to Europe.
Wednesday, 17 December 2025

From Europe to America

Weather front over 4,500 miles long
Radar map showing widespread blue rain bands over the UK and Ireland with a triangular heavy-rain warning icon placed over central Britain.
Tuesday, 16 December 2025

Thursday rain

Incoming downpour prompts warnings
All weather news
This might also interest you
Split weather map showing the UK and Ireland. The left side illustrates strong winds circulating around a low-pressure system, with gusts of 20–30 mph highlighted in orange and yellow. The right side shows radar imagery with widespread blue rain bands and patches of thunderstorms, especially over northern England and Scotland.
Thursday, 28 August 2025

Breakfast brief

Remaining widely unsettled
Mammatus clouds
Thursday, 21 August 2025

Unusual view

Mammatus clouds over Ireland
plit image showing a double rainbow over a rocky shoreline on the left and sheep grazing in a green field under stormy clouds on the right.
Sunday, 2 November 2025

Your weather - Your shots

Mixed conditions on an unsettled week
All articles
Weather & Radar

Weather & Radar is also available on

Google Play StoreApp Store

Company

Contact us Privacy Policy Legal info Accessibility statement

Services

Uploader

Socials

facebooktwittertikToklinkList