The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned of possible heavy snow in many parts of the nation during the year-end and New Year period -- Dec. 29 to Jan. 3 -- as the coldest air masses seen yet this winter move into the atmosphere.
The agency forecasts heavy snow mainly in regions facing the Sea of Japan from north to west.
There is a possibility of record-breaking snowfalls or severe snowstorms in these regions, so the agency is calling for caution.
According to the agency, air masses colder than those in the middle of this month, when there were record snowfalls in Niigata and Gunma prefectures, are likely to flow into the atmosphere over Japan.
Huge snowfalls are predicted from around Dec. 30 into the New Year, and it is possible that heavy snow will also be seen in regions facing the Pacific.
The agency predicts very cold weather. According to forecasts announced Sunday, the lowest daily temperatures will be around 0 C in many regions from Dec. 31, and the daily highs will not even reach 10 C.
On Jan. 1, it is possible that the year's first sunrise will only be seen through gaps in the clouds in the Kanto region.
An official of the agency said: "It will be important to prepare car tires for winter and have snow-removing tools ready. We want people to pay attention to the latest weather and traffic information."
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