TOKYO, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Japan's weather agency said a strong cold air mass and a winter pressure pattern brought freezing temperatures to cities across the country on Thursday, with heavy snow hitting the Sea of Japan coast and mountainous regions.

Temperatures dropped to minus 1 degree Celsius in Tokyo and minus 2.5 degrees Celsius in Nagoya on Thursday morning, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).

Snow has been falling mainly on the Sea of Japan side. As of 6:00 a.m. local time on Thursday, 4.84 meters of snow had accumulated in Sukayu in the Hakkoda mountains of Aomori Prefecture and 3.61 meters in Tsunan Town in Niigata Prefecture, the JMA said.

Weather officials forecast that the winter pressure pattern will persist, bringing another cold spell over the weekend, with heavy, localized snow expected in areas on the Sea of Japan side.

The JMA has issued warnings for avalanches and further traffic disruptions. Enditem

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