Cherry blossoms have begun blooming in Kochi and Kumamoto, Japan. Kochi’s Somei-yoshino flowers appeared on the same date as last year, while Kumamoto’s bloom was observed three days earlier than last year. Temperatures soared across Japan, with records being set, signaling an early arrival of spring weather.
The cherry blossoms have begun to bloom in the western Japanese cities of Kochi and Kumamoto, marking the arrival of spring. Kochi confirmed flowering for the Somei-yoshino variety on the same date as last year, albeit one day later than the average. In Kumamoto, the announcement came three days earlier compared to last year, yet one day later than the norm.
Weather officials surveyed a notable cherry tree at Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine in the afternoon, but were unable to identify any blossoms. This delay in blooming highlights a significant observation as temperatures across Japan reached levels typical of late April to mid-June.
The Meteorological Agency indicated that a high-pressure system enveloped much of Japan, resulting in elevated temperatures. Notably, daytime highs in Tsuyama, Okayama Prefecture, hit 26.8 degrees Celsius, marking the highest recorded temperature for March since 1943. In addition, Kofu and central Tokyo also surpassed 25 degrees for the first time this year, while Kyoto and Kochi recorded temperatures of 24 degrees.
As the warm weather persists, temperatures are projected to exceed 20 degrees in many western cities on Monday, including Fukuoka, Nagoya, and Osaka, further signaling the onset of spring in the region.
In summary, the first cherry blossoms of the season have been confirmed in Kochi and Kumamoto, aligning almost with seasonal averages despite minor deviations. The warm temperatures, driven by a high-pressure system, demonstrate the climatic shifts occurring in Japan. As temperatures continue to rise, other cities are poised to experience similar spring weather.
Original Source: www3.nhk.or.jp
