HOKKAIDO - A powerful cold air mass brought the lowest temperatures of the season to much of Japan on Tuesday, November 10, with Hokkaido recording a nationwide seasonal low of minus 11.8 degrees Celsius, heavy snowfall covering northern communities, and Tokyo experiencing midwinter conditions as temperatures fell sharply across the country.
In Hokkaido, cold air comparable to that normally experienced in the depths of winter swept across the region, bringing the season's lowest temperatures to approximately 80% of weather observation stations.
The northern town of Nakatombetsu recorded minus 11.8 degrees Celsius, the lowest temperature recorded anywhere in Japan so far this season, while Rikubetsu, known for its exceptionally cold winters, registered minus 11.2 degrees shortly after 5:30 a.m.
Residents reported that rivers had already begun freezing as temperatures plunged well below zero. "The river has started to freeze. It gets cold every year," one resident said.
Heavy snowfall accompanied the cold weather, particularly across northern and central Hokkaido, where some communities experienced substantial accumulations unusually early in the season.
In Shumarinai, part of Horokanai in the Kamikawa region, 34 centimeters of snow fell during the 24 hours ending at 6 a.m., bringing the total snow depth to 71 centimeters. Parked vehicles were buried beneath thick layers of snow, leaving residents facing extensive clearing work.
"It's a little too early. I didn't expect this much snow," one resident said.
Sapporo also experienced its coldest weather of the season, with snowfall forcing residents to begin clearing roads, sidewalks and parking areas early in the morning.
In the Ainosato district of the city's Kita Ward, residents were already shoveling snow shortly after 7:30 a.m. Some complained that the accumulated snow was particularly heavy and difficult to remove.
"The snow is heavy. I'll have to clear the parking lot behind the house again," one resident said.
In Asahikawa, temperatures remained below freezing throughout the day, reaching only minus 0.7 degrees Celsius by 4 p.m. If the temperature remained below zero, the city was expected to record its first early-November ice day in 35 years, referring to a day when the maximum temperature fails to rise above freezing.
The severe cold was forecast to continue into the morning of November 11, when temperatures in some inland areas of Hokkaido were expected to fall below minus 10 degrees Celsius again.
The cold weather extended far beyond Hokkaido, with northerly winds sweeping across Japan and bringing temperatures more typical of December to many regions.
In central Tokyo, the maximum temperature reached just 10.7 degrees Celsius on November 10, creating conditions comparable to those normally experienced in midwinter. Strong winds made the cold feel even more severe, prompting residents to bring out heavy coats and down jackets.
"It's really cold today, and the wind makes it feel even colder. I haven't bought a coat yet, but I think it's time," one resident said.
Another said the sudden temperature drop had forced an immediate change in clothing. "It got cold so suddenly that I brought out my down jacket. Without it, I can't handle this cold wind."
The arrival of winter conditions has also accelerated seasonal preparations across the country, with authorities taking steps to protect roads, trees and public facilities against snow and freezing temperatures.
In Shizuoka Prefecture, officials closed a prefectural road leading to one of Mount Fuji's climbing trailheads to prepare for snowfall and icy road surfaces. The seasonal closure is intended to reduce the risk of accidents as winter weather makes mountain routes increasingly hazardous.
In Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, gardeners began installing traditional snow supports known as yukitsuri, in which ropes are arranged radially around trees to prevent branches from breaking beneath the weight of accumulated snow.
The distinctive conical rope structures, a familiar feature of Kanazawa's winter scenery, are expected to be installed on approximately 60,000 trees throughout the city by around the middle of December.
Winter preparations were also underway at Tokyo Disneyland, where a Christmas parade scheduled to begin on November 11 was unveiled ahead of its official launch.
Mickey Mouse and other Disney characters appeared in festive Christmas costumes as the theme park prepared to welcome visitors for its winter celebrations. A Christmas tree approximately 15 meters tall has also been installed inside the park, adding to the seasonal atmosphere.
The sudden cold snap has meanwhile boosted demand for hot food, with customers gathering around stalls selling freshly steamed meat buns.
Thick clouds of steam rising from the buns attracted passersby looking for something warm to eat, creating scenes reminiscent of steam-filled hot spring resorts.
At one outlet, sales during the first 10 days of November had already exceeded the total recorded throughout October, reflecting the sharp increase in demand as temperatures dropped.
"It's so warm. I forgot to bring my gloves, so I think I'll eat this on my way home," one customer said.
Another customer said the cold weather had prompted an unplanned purchase. "It's cold today, and I wanted something warm. I was walking around when I noticed all the steam and decided to try one. It's really warming me up."
Although temperatures across much of Japan were expected to recover slightly on November 11, forecasters warned that mornings would remain cold, particularly in inland areas.
The early arrival of severe winter weather has prompted residents across Japan to accelerate preparations for the colder months, from clearing unexpectedly deep snow in Hokkaido to protecting trees, closing mountain roads and bringing out winter clothing in cities farther south.
Source: HBCニュース 北海道放送
