Japan observes first seasonal snow on Mount Asahi

The first snow of the season has been observed in Hokkaido, with snowcaps appearing on Mount Asahi in the Daisetsuzan mountain range. Snow has also been confirmed on Mount Kurodake and Mount Rishiri.

In a significant procedural shift, the Japan Meteorological Agency has transitioned from visual observations to data analysis for determining the first snowfall on 44 mountains across the country, including the Hakkoda and Iwaki mountain ranges in the Tsugaru region. Previously, meteorologists relied on manual visual checks, but the agency will now utilize automated data processing.

While forecasts suggest a potentially warm winter, residents in regions like Tsugaru are being advised to prepare for winter conditions early, following two consecutive years of record-breaking heavy snowfall.