Asia, including Japan, is warming faster than the global average, as the trend has nearly doubled since the 1961-1990 period and many countries in the region observed their hottest year on record in 2023, according to a U.N. weather agency.
Unseasonably warm weather in northern parts of Japan have caused iconic winter sights to melt away this week, causing ice deposits on trees to no longer appear so monster-like, and snow huts to be capped with blue sheets.
A high-pressure system brought warm southern winds to Japan that created temperatures usually felt in April in many parts of the country, with the spring-like weather expected to continue on Feb. 15.
At least 109 people were taken to hospital in Tokyo through Tuesday morning after many slipped and fell due to heavy snowfall in eastern Japan, the Tokyo Fire Department says.
Japan's weather agency urges residents from the country's north-to-west regions facing the Sea of Japan to be vigilant of further heavy snow after many vehicles were left stranded.