A man is seen clearing snow in the city of Aomori on Dec. 28, 2021. (Mainichi/Hirosato Nansako)

       OSAKA -- A winter atmospheric pressure system will strengthen over northern and western Japan from Dec. 30 to around Jan. 1, 2022, sparking fears of heavy snowfalls primarily on the Sea of Japan side of the country.

       The Japan Meteorological Agency explained that "in the event snow clouds form in greater than expected quantities, there could be severe snowfall in (west Japan's) Kinki region from Dec. 31 to New Year's Day that warrants issuing a warning."

       Japan's year-end and New Year's period sees scores of people traveling to their hometowns or going on trips, and the agency is calling on people to pay close attention to traffic information and the state of public transportation services.

       According to the agency, very cold air will flow into the skies and lead to heavy snowfall in the northern and central parts of west Japan's Kinki region, as well as in the Hokuriku and Sanin regions in northwestern and western Japan, respectively. There are concerns that snow will settle in the southern part of the Kinki region, which usually sees minimal snowfall.

       Forecasts for the 24-hour period ending at 6:00 p.m. on Dec. 31 show many mountainous areas are expected to see snowfall, with the northern Kinki region tipped to receive about 40 to 60 centimeters, while its central section is expected to see 30 to 50 cm. Toyama Prefecture in the Hokuriku region is forecast to receive 60 to 80 cm, and the Sanin Region is expected to see 40 to 60 cm.

       The same level of coldness as was seen during record-high snowfall in the northern Kinki region and other areas between Dec. 25 and 27 is expected during the year-end and New Year's period.

       According to the West Japan Railway Co., express and standard train services in the Hokuriku region could be suspended on Dec. 31.

       (Japanese original by Tatsuki Noda, Osaka City News Department)

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