Spring warmth took a sharp turn back to winter as heavy snow hit the Kanto region on March 3, transforming the city with unexpected snowfall.
The sudden climatic reversal came after temperatures soared over 20 degrees Celsius just the day before, plunging to as low as 2.9 degrees Celsius during the afternoon. According to local reports, the snow turned from rain around 2 PM, leaving residents astounded by the rapid change.
On the streets of Shinjuku's Yotsuya, pedestrians hesitated to step outside as large snowflakes fell. Schoolchildren ventured home under umbrellas, noting the strange spring snow. Just south, on the Metropolitan Expressway, light snow began accumulating on vehicle windshields shortly after 1:30 PM.
Saitama City felt the brunt of the chill, with temperatures dropping drastically from 20.6 degrees on March 2 to just 0.5 degrees the following day. Across the region, parks like the Saitama Stadium quickly transitioned from green grass to snow-covered fields within just one hour.
Onlookers captured visions of snow falling over iconic sites, such as Tokyo Disneyland, where the juxtaposition of snow against the backdrop of the park was mesmerizing. The snowfall blurred visibility significantly across Utsunomiya City, where residents bundled up once again, donning heavy winter coats and scarves.
By 1 PM, temperatures had dipped to 0.9 degrees, converting rain to snow, creating what many referred to as spring snow. Meanwhile, Mito City reported snow settling on blossoming plum flowers, illustrating the oddity of this climatic phenomenon.
Longer-term effects were observed as residents of Nagano City dealt with the consequences of consistent snow throughout the morning commute, resulting in slippery sidewalks and numerous near-misses for pedestrians.
A local resident described his struggle with the snow: "I’m not used to this at all. I slipped two or three times just getting here!" A measurement revealed Nagano's snow accumulation had reached 7 centimeters by early afternoon.
Further north, citizens of Joetsu City expressed their frustrations over what many deemed excessive snowfall, reflecting on the burdens it placed on them. One resident lamented, "My mother has hurt her back shoveling snow all winter, and now I have to take off work just to help out!"
Meanwhile, as snow blanketed the capital, Shibuya’s famous scramble crossing was transformed, and even the National Diet building shone white under the snowfall.
By around 3 PM, the intensity of the snow increased, leading to worries about travel disruptions. The capital's daytime temperature had plummeted to 2.2 degrees Celsius, marking around a 20-degree drop since just days prior.
At Takao Mountain's monkey park, the primates were seen huddling together for warmth, their bodies accumulating snow—a visible indication of the sharp cold.
Looking forward, the snow’s peak is predicted to occur on the afternoon of March 4, with the possibility of significant accumulation within the metropolitan area.
Weather forecasts indicate the snowfall could interfere with travel plans from the evening of March 4 through the morning commute of March 5, when public transport disruptions are expected across the board.
Proactively, highway authorities announced potential preventive closures for sections of the Tomei and Shin-Tomei expressways, and parts of the capital's roadways to manage the safety of drivers. Road users are urged to remain vigilant and prepare for possible transportation disruptions.
While the unique allure of the picturesque spring snow may bring joy to some, the practical ramifications pose challenges for many residents. Gathering experienced weather watchers highlight the necessity of vigilance as the storm intensifies and preventive measures are taken to protect the community.