Japan Gripped by Sudden Freeze as Temperatures Plunge; Hokkaido Hits -20°C, Breaking a 48-Year Record | WPN World People News

According to Japanese media reports, a strong southward surge of cold air, combined with clear skies that intensified radiative cooling from night into early morning on the 11th, drove temperatures down to their lowest levels so far this winter across many regions. Horokanai in Hokkaido recorded -20.2°C, becoming the first location in Japan to drop below -20°C this season and setting a record for the earliest occurrence of temperatures below -20°C since related statistical observations began in 1978.

Beyond the extreme cold in Hokkaido, freezing weather affected regions across Japan. As of 6:00 a.m., a total of 262 observation stations nationwide recorded minimum temperatures below 0°C—meeting the Japanese meteorological definition of a "winter day" (fuyubi). Accounting for roughly 30% of all observation sites nationwide, this marks a new seasonal high. Major cities across Japan also experienced chilly lows: Sendai dropped to 2.1°C, central Tokyo to 5.1°C, Yokohama to 6.7°C, Nagoya to 6.5°C, and Osaka to 7.9°C, all breaking their respective records for the lowest temperatures since autumn began.

As regions across Japan progressively enter the cold season, meteorological authorities are reminding the public to bundle up when heading out for work or school in the morning. They advise wearing winter coats paired with scarves, gloves, and other cold-weather gear to avoid sudden exposure to low temperatures.