Cherry Blossoms Bloom in Kochi and Kumamoto Amid Unusual March Warmth

Cherry blossoms have started blooming in Kochi and Kumamoto, Japan, with Kochi’s Somei-yoshino variety blooming on the same date as last year. Unusually high temperatures for March have led to early blooming trends, with more warming expected in western cities.

Cherry blossoms have officially begun to bloom in Kochi and Kumamoto, Japan, marking the arrival of spring. The Somei-yoshino variety was observed in Kochi on the same date as last year but one day later than the average. In Kumamoto, blooming was confirmed three days earlier than 2022, though also one day behind the historical average.

In Tokyo, officials visited the Yasukuni Shrine to check on a benchmark cherry tree, yet no blossoms were confirmed there. On the same day, unusually high temperatures were recorded across Japan, propelled by a high-pressure system affecting the region, resulting in temperatures comparable to late April through mid-June.

Specifically, the temperature in Tsuyama, Okayama Prefecture, reached 26.8°C, the highest for March since official records began in 1943. Other cities also saw significant temperature rises; Kofu and central Tokyo recorded highs above 25°C for the first time this year, while Kyoto and Kochi saw temperatures of 24°C.

Looking ahead, warm weather is expected to continue, with daytime temperatures projected to exceed 20°C in many western Japanese cities, including Fukuoka, Nagoya, and Osaka on Monday.

The onset of cherry blossom season in Japan is significant, with Kochi and Kumamoto leading in bloom timing this year. The temperature spikes across the country indicate unusual warmth for March, contributing to early floral displays. As spring progresses, continued warm weather is predicted, enhancing the cherry blossom experience nearer to popular tourist sites.

Original Source: www3.nhk.or.jp