Temperatures to plunge across Japan, snow falling in some northern regions

Japanese weather officials said a winter-type pressure pattern combined with a powerful cold air mass will push down temperatures across Japan through Wednesday. The Meteorological Agency says snow is expected to fall in mountainous areas along the Sea of Japan coast of northern Japan and even in flatlands through Tuesday.

The officials said snow is already falling in some parts of Hokkaido and the Tohoku and Hokuriku regions. They said people should be on the alert for traffic disruptions caused by snowfall. They are also urging drivers to use winter tires or snow chains.