Heavy snow is expected in wide areas of eastern and western Japan through Friday, the Japan Meteorological Agency said Thursday.
With a low pressure system likely to cause snow particularly in the Kanto-Koshin and Kinki regions, the agency warned the public about icy roads and possible traffic disruptions.
Over the 24 hours through 6 a.m. Friday, up to 40 centimeters of snow is forecast to fall in Kinki, 25 cm in Koshin, 20 cm in Kanto and Tokai regions, and 10 cm in Tohoku region in the northeast facing the Pacific. Snow may also fall on the plains in some areas, the agency said.
A strong cold air mass at minus 36 C or lower is expected to move into western Japan from Thursday night through Friday, resulting in a stronger wintry atmospheric pressure pattern, the agency said.