Japan's Cooler, Wetter Weather Could Linger Through Spring

Mar 14, 2011 – 6:39 AM

Between radiation concerns, displaced persons and the cleanup and rebuilding process, Japan's weather will be of greater concern for some time to come.

And with the current La Nina expected to continue at least through spring, the weather in Japan might be cooler and wetter than average.

A La Nina -- a cooling of sea-surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific -- influences weather patterns across the globe. One common effect is an increase in the intensity of storm systems in the northern branch of the jet stream. This effect is most pronounced during winter, but with a well-defined La Nina -- such as the current one -- northern storms tend to continue well into spring. During a La Nina winter, Japan is typically cooler than average.

With the northern part of the island being the hardest hit by the earthquake -- the epicenter of the quake was a latitude similar to Washington, D.C.'s -- these regions might experience more frequent, chilly storm systems.

One such storm will affect Japan this week. The steadiest precipitation, mainly in the form of rain, will occur from Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday night, with more showery precipitation -- both rain and snow -- occurring Wednesday and Thursday as much chillier air arrives.

In Sendai, temperatures will fall from a Monday high near 60 Fahrenheit to the upper 30s by Thursday; nighttime temperatures will fall into the 20s. The change to cooler weather will be accompanied by a gusty northwest wind, making it feel even colder.

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http://www.belgingur.is/opna/en/1/gfs/fukushima/1/hiti/