This is an AI translated post.
Weather changes in the Japanese archipelago and main seasonal weather characteristics
- Writing language: Korean
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- Base country: Japan
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Summarized by durumis AI
- The Japanese archipelago experiences a variety of climates depending on the region, and is located in the temperate monsoon climate zone, being affected by moving high and low pressure systems throughout the year.
- Spring sees frequent rain and heavy rain due to the influence of a cold front and the rainy season front from the beginning of May, and the summer season begins in earnest from the end of June.
- August sees strong winds and heavy rain due to the influence of typhoons, and as autumn approaches, temperatures drop due to the influence of continental high pressure and Siberian air masses, while winter sees cold, dry weather due to the northwest monsoon.
The Japanese archipelago is located in a long, east-west stretch, resulting in a variety of climates across different regions. However, overall, it falls under the temperate monsoon climate zone. Throughout the year, various weather phenomena occur due to the passage of migratory high and low pressure systems.
As spring arrives, cold fronts pass through the Japanese archipelago, bringing frequent days of strong winds and rain. Specifically in Okinawa, this is known as 'Ninguchi Kazimairi (February Windy Day)' where strong winds and heavy rain often occur due to rapid changes in atmospheric pressure.
Early May marks the beginning of the full-fledged 梅雨 (plum rain) season in the Japanese archipelago. Okinawa enters the full influence of the plum rain front around May 10th, while the mainland follows around early June. The stationary front's activity results in prolonged periods of rain, sometimes accompanied by torrential downpours.
By late June, the influence of the northward-moving Okhotsk Sea air mass brings an end to the plum rain season on the mainland, ushering in the full-fledged summer weather. However, in Okinawa, strong southwest monsoon winds known as 'Kachibe (Summer South Wind)' prevail after the plum rain season.
August is significantly influenced by typhoons, tropical cyclones that develop along the edge of the North Pacific High. Okinawa, in particular, experiences the greatest impact of typhoons throughout the year. This leads to frequent strong winds and heavy rain, sometimes causing damage to crops.
As autumn arrives, the influence of the continental high-pressure system becomes prominent, while the Siberian air mass gradually strengthens, leading to a drop in temperature. October marks a shift in the direction of the monsoon wind to the northeast, referred to as 'Minishi (New North Wind)' in Okinawa.
During the winter months, the influence of the Siberian air mass brings strong northwest monsoon winds, resulting in cold and dry weather. In Okinawa, northeast winds prevail, often leading to high waves due to strong winds.
While each region has distinctive names and seasonal distinctions, the Japanese archipelago as a whole experiences pronounced seasonal weather changes due to the influence of migratory high and low pressure systems and air masses.