Weather fluctuations and Typhoon 31 in Japan

Japan experienced a period of significant weather volatility in late October. On October 28 and 29, a powerful cold front brought intense winds and a major cold snap across much of the country. In Tokyo, the arrival of “kogarashi No. 1”, the first strong seasonal north wind in nine years, caused disruptions including a tree falling on power lines that affected approximately 105,000 commuters. The severe weather resulted in injuries in Hokkaido and a fire in Tokyo.

By October 30, weather patterns shifted toward a winter-type pressure distribution. While the Pacific side expected sunny conditions with temperatures potentially reaching 25°C, the Sea of Japan side and northern regions, including Hokkaido, braced for rain, snow, and wind. In Hokkaido, snow was expected in some areas, with strong winds potentially causing blizzard-like conditions.

Meanwhile, Typhoon 31, a very strong storm with a central pressure of 950hPa, was stationary near the Ogasawara Islands. Although direct landfall was considered unlikely, the typhoon was expected to move slowly toward the south of Japan, bringing high waves to the Ogasawara region. Forecasters noted that the typhoon could influence eastern Japan by bringing heavy rain due to surrounding moist air.