First November snow in Tokyo for 54 years

First November snow in Tokyo for 54 years
By Catherine Hardy with Reuters
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The Japanese capital does see snow at least once a year, it usually falls in January or February and rarely accumulates for long.

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Tokyo has been hit by its first November snowfall in 54 years.

The Japanese capital does see snow at least once a year, it usually falls in January or February and rarely accumulates for long.

As much as two cm of snow was predicted for central Tokyo, according to the Japanese Meteorological Agency.

When the last flakes fell in November in the Japanese capital:

  • John F. Kennedy was US President
  • Bob Dylan had just released his debut album

Why did it happen?

The snow began as sleet around dawn, but turned to snow soon afterwards.

It was sparked by an unusual cold front spreading over the Tokyo area that sent temperatures plunging to near zero C (32 F).

Average temperatures at this time of year are highs of 14 C (57 F). They rose as far as 20 C (68 F) on Sunday.

What they are saying

“The weather forecast did say it would snow, but I was sceptical since it is still November,” – commuter Chieko Odo.

“I was shocked, it is too early,” – commuter Masaru Machida

In tweets

It's rare! Autumn leaves and snow can be enjoyed in Tokyo at the same time today pic.twitter.com/37P4YuTauX

— michiyo ishida (@MichiyoCNA) November 24, 2016

Tokyo wakes up to its first November snowfall in more than half a century (with photos). https://t.co/9mRF177KTw

— The Associated Press (@AP) November 24, 2016

Tokyo gets November snow for first time in 54 years https://t.co/dt3HKqQTlQpic.twitter.com/gcQzu45Iya

— AFP news agency (@AFP) November 24, 2016

First November snow in #Tokyo in 54 years falling on Sensoji temple (Kyodo) pic.twitter.com/lhnlVK3qAp

— tokyotronic (@robotopia) November 24, 2016

Snow on fall colors, Tokyo pic.twitter.com/TxXoPF5VrY

— Matt Alt (@Matt_Alt) November 24, 2016

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