Hokkaido Gale Warning Oct 21-22: Sapporo Drops to 11°C

From Monday, October 19 to Thursday, October 22, northern Japan is likely to see rough weather from a low-pressure system and fronts. Strong winds are possible in Hokkaido from Wednesday, October 21 to Thursday, October 22, and colder air is forecast to push temperatures down sharply on the 22nd. This is the start of the season when snow begins to reach the mountains, so here is how the weather is expected to unfold.

Rain from the 19th to the 21st, with the low redeveloping on the 21st

According to the Japan Weather Association's tenki.jp, a low-pressure system moves north of Hokkaido on Monday the 19th. A front then moves south from Tohoku to northern Kyushu through Tuesday the 20th, bringing rain to a wide area, mainly on the Sea of Japan side. On Wednesday the 21st, a low develops again as it moves from the Sea of Japan to the north of Hokkaido. Rain and wind strengthen in Tohoku and Hokkaido, and the Sea of Japan side of Tohoku could see warning-level heavy rain. In Hokkaido, strong winds are possible from the 21st into the 22nd. ^[1][2]

Sapporo gets early-November cold on the 22nd

Weathernews reports that after the front passes on the 21st, cold air flows in aloft and temperatures are forecast to drop sharply across Japan on Thursday the 22nd. Sapporo's high is expected to fall from 18°C to 11°C, which is typical of early November. Winds will also strengthen in northern Japan, so it will likely feel colder than the numbers suggest. ^[3]

However, the forecasts in these sources focus on changes in rain, wind and temperature. They do not say whether snow will fall in the mountains or how much will settle. Please check the latest weather information and live cams for mountain snow.

Checking mountain snow: live cams and the JMA page

This season's first snow-capped mountains are listed on the Japan Meteorological Agency's page "Records of first snow cover" (初冠雪の記録等). In the table as of October 8, Asahidake's first snow-cap date is October 2, 2026. From this season, the page reflects summit snow conditions based on analyzed snow depth. ^[4]

You can also see the mountains on each resort's live cam.

Things to watch this week

If you plan to go into the mountains in Hokkaido, watch for strong winds and cold on the 21st and 22nd.
Heavy rain is possible on the Sea of Japan side of Tohoku. If you are traveling there, check the latest warnings and advisories.
A midsummer day (30°C or higher) is forecast for parts of the Kanto region on the 21st, followed by a sharp cooldown on the 22nd. Be prepared for the big swing in temperature.

Resorts that have already opened this season are listed on our opening information page, updated every morning. JAPOW NOW! will report on snowfall and mountain snow as news comes in.

Sources

Prepared with AI assistance from public sources. Always check each resort's official website for the latest information.