Snow In Japan Exceeds 17 Feet; Another "Polar Express" Looms For The U.S.; Cold Chokes Spanish Vegetables; + NASA Removes Past Temperature Data

There is no "hockey stick" warming present, you'll note—rather a clear, long-term cooling trend...

Snow In Japan Exceeds 17 Feet

Japan has been experiencing extraordinary snowfall this winter, even by its standards. As of Jan 31, at least 32 locations have depths exceeding 300 cm (9.8 feet).

Arai Snow Resort in Myoko City, Niigata, stands out with a staggering 526 cm (17.3 ft).

Other major ski areas, including Charmant Hiuchi (480 cm / 15.7 ft) and Hakuba Happo-one (440 cm / 14.4 ft), continue to see heavy accumulation, providing stellar conditions for winter sports but also posing challenges in terms of avalanches, transportation, and infrastructure maintenance.

The snowfall has been particularly intense in Niigata, Nagano, and Aomori prefectures, where records have fallen.

Snow in Hakuba.

Even areas less accustomed are receiving sizable dustings.

Tsuruga Castle, Fukushima Prefecture — heavy snowfall on Jan 30.