Today, the Sapporo Regional Meteorological Observatory announced a three-month forecast and a warm weather forecast. Temperatures are expected to be higher than normal in March to May in Hokkaido, with snow melting sooner and cherry blossoms appearing to bloom earlier than normal this year. After that, temperatures are expected to be higher than normal in June and August, making it more likely that the summer will be hot.

March: Strong Cold Air Expected Early, But Temperatures to Rise

In March, cold air will flow into the area around Hokkaido, beginning of March, and temperatures will likely be lower than normal. According to early weather information on low temperatures released by the Sapporo Regional Meteorological Observatory on the 25th, the average temperature may be significantly lower for about five days starting around March 3rd due to the effects of cold air. The temperatures have risen throughout the entire prefecture on the 25th, making it quite warm for this time of year, but we expect to see another cold weather like midwinter.

However, after that, the cold air above the north of Japan will weaken, making it less susceptible to the effects of the cold. Looking at the whole of March, average temperatures are expected to be high. The temperatures are likely to continue to be high from mid-March. As in the Sea of ​​Japan side, it is expected to be cloudy, snowy, or rainy days, as in normal years, but it is less likely to snow and more likely to rain. Do not approach dangerous areas as it may be affected by the thawing of snow, or rainwater may seep in and cause avalanches on slopes. Thaw snow can make river water more likely to rise, and low-lying land flooding is likely, so be careful not to let rivers rise.

April: Rapid Snow Melt and Early Cherry Blossoms

The weather changes around Hokkaido in April with several days of the month. On the Pacific side, there will be many sunny days, just like normal years. The temperature is expected to go up too. The high temperatures will likely continue to melt. In Kutchan in the Goshi region, famous for its high snowfall, the average day for Neyuki is April 17th, but the snow may disappear earlier than that day.

In Hokkaido, it is said that temperatures since March have affected the cherry blossom blooming, and cherry blossoms are expected to bloom earlier than normal. The first cherry blossom bloom forecast announced by the Japan Weather Association on January 29th is 7-8 days earlier than usual in various places. The Japan Meteorological Association is planning to announce its second cherry blossom bloom forecast tomorrow, the 26th.

May: Temperatures Continue to Rise Despite Changing Weather

In May, the weather around Hokkaido will change over several days. Temperatures are expected to continue to go high. Following cherry blossoms, Hokkaido is the season for flowers, but in the second half of May, the high pressure of the Sea of ​​Okhotsk may intensify, and the cold may continue as if the season has suddenly returned. This phenomenon is also known as “lira cold” because the cold returns when the lilac (Lila in French) flower blooms. Long-term forecasts cannot predict such a relatively small atmosphere phenomenon, so be sure to check the latest weather information and be careful not to get sick due to sudden cold weather.

June-August: Likely to Be Covered in Warm Air, and the Temperature Continues to Be High

From June to August, the temperatures across the globe will continue to rise in the region, and the temperatures will continue to rise in Hokkaido. Furthermore, the sea surface temperature from the Indian Ocean to the eastern sea of ​​the Philippines is high, cumulonimbus clouds are active, and westerly winds are lifted northward, so the overhang of the Tibetan high and Pacific high pressures that bring about high temperatures are both stronger on the north side than normal. It is expected to be. As a result, the area around Hokkaido is likely to be covered in warm air, and the temperature will become even more likely to be high. There was a time when the high temperature trends were strengthened by these two high pressures, 2023 and 2024, and there is a risk of extreme heat this summer, too, 2025. The effective heat prevention measures involve proper use of air conditioners, but installation of air conditioners can be crowded and difficult to install as soon as possible, so if you are considering installing them, it is best to install them as soon as possible. It looks good.

Implications for U.S. Readers

For U.S. readers, the weather patterns in Hokkaido serve as a microcosm of broader global weather trends. The early snow melt and cherry blossom blooms in Hokkaido mirror similar phenomena observed in various parts of the United States, such as the early blooming of flowers in the Pacific Northwest and the rapid snow melt in the Rocky Mountains. These trends underscore the broader implications of climate change, which affects weather patterns worldwide.

In the United States, regions like the Northeast and Midwest are also experiencing warmer winters and earlier springs, which can lead to a variety of environmental and economic impacts. For instance, the early onset of spring can disrupt agricultural cycles, leading to potential crop failures or reduced yields. Additionally, the rapid snow melt can increase the risk of flooding, as seen in recent years in states like California and Colorado.

Moreover, the projected high temperatures in the summer can have significant health implications. Extreme heat can lead to heat-related illnesses and deaths, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. It is crucial for communities to prepare for such events by implementing effective heat prevention measures, including the proper use of air conditioners and the establishment of cooling centers.

In conclusion, the weather forecasts for Hokkaido provide valuable insights into the broader global weather trends and their implications. By understanding these patterns, communities can better prepare for and mitigate the impacts of climate change, ensuring the safety and well-being of their residents.