Since early November, winter-like pressure systems have swept over Japan, causing the weather to cool considerably and leaving many regions, including Kyushu, without a typical autumn. According to the Kyushu Branch of the Japan Weather Association, the high pressure system over the Pacific Ocean that caused this summer’s extreme heat remained near Japan until mid-October, effectively shortening the period of mild weather associated with autumn. Changes are already evident in the fall foliage that traditionally ushers in the season. “Autumn is getting shorter due in part to global warming,” said an employee from the JWA’s Kyushu Branch. The extended warm weather has delayed the changes in fall foliage in the mountains, but due to the rapid cooling off, the Kyushu Branch predicts that foliage in the mountains and plains will end up changing colors at about the same time. Also, this year’s winter is forecast to be unseasonably cold, but researchers are still unsure as to why years with extremely hot summers have cold winters. Scientists at the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology posit that global warming in the Arctic may be affecting the Japan’s winter pressure systems. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun, 11/15
Photo: Yusentei Park (2009)
