On March 5, 2025, cold rain continued to drench the Kanto region, with snow and strong winds wreaking havoc across the Tohoku region. The low-pressure system responsible for the shift from snow to rain was advancing eastward and predicted to develop offshore of Sanriku later today.
For much of the day, areas within the Kanto region, including Tokyo, experienced chilly downpours, with temperatures struggling to rise significantly. Rain was set to persist primarily throughout the morning, tapering as the afternoon approached, offering some reprieve with drier conditions expected. Residents were cautioned to take care concerning their umbrellas, as losing one was all too easy.
Meanwhile, the Tohoku region braced for harsher conditions. Reports indicated stronger rainfall and snow accumulation were anticipated, particularly along the Pacific side. With heavy snowfall predicted, especially within mountainous regions, warnings were issued for potential avalanches and falling snow impacting transportation and infrastructure.
"This weather is particularly concerning due to the possibility of rapid changes and worsening visibility," meteorologists noted, urging residents to remain vigilant.
Specific predictions for snow accumulation estimated up to 40 centimeters along the mountainous areas of Tohoku's Pacific side, with around 30 centimeters expected on the plains by the end of the day.
Hokkaido also entered the weather spotlight, where snow was expected to begin steadily increasing through the day, culminating in conditions likely to mirror those seen elsewhere.
Moving southward, western Japan was positioned to see improved weather with sunny spells likely to break through. Though rain was expected to linger across the Sanin region, clearer skies appeared on the horizon for many areas, bringing welcomed warmth compared to the preceding days.
Across the country, temperatures were expected to rise relative to the previous day, with Tokyo seeing the most significant increases, providing some relief albeit within chilly contexts. Forecast highs were projected as follows: Sapporo at 2°C, Sendai at 8°C, New York at 9°C, and Tokyo at 11°C.
Looking toward the upcoming week, forecasts predicted mainly clear skies on March 6 and 7 along the Pacific side from Osaka to Naha, though north winds were expected to chill the air. Contrarily, the Japan Sea side might experience seasonal temperature fluctuations leading to warmer climate conditions as the week progresses.
For residents of Okinawa, rain was expected to accompany cloudy conditions through March 6, followed by cloud cover increasing again.
While meteorologists confirmed warming trends, caution about local cold winds remained high. The stark temperature contrasts seen on the horizon meant cold-weather clothing will still be needed as winter does not seem to be waning just yet. Central Tokyo, for example, was projected to reach around 7°C on March 8, reflecting another wave of mixed weather.
All these elements lead to the recommendations for residents to take significant precautions against potential hazards related to snow accumulation and falling snow. With wet and slushy conditions presenting new challenges, the emphasis has been placed on being prepared for unexpected sudden changes, as indicated by strong winds creating uncomfortable, albeit warmer conditions.
"We encourage everyone to be aware of their surroundings," officials stressed, referencing possible snowfall accumulating on power lines thereby causing power outages.
Heavy snowfall continuing well beyond March 5 would be closely monitored as the Pacific side of Tohoku prepared for blizzard-like conditions later this evening. Both transportation and residential settlements could potentially be affected by accumulations nearing the 50-centimeter mark overnight.
Though challenges arise, experts are focusing on the resilience and preparedness of the communities across Japan, emphasizing the importance of staying informed through meteorological updates as weather conditions evolve daily.