First Sight of This Season’s Drift Ice

It was announced that the Regional Coastguard Headquarters recorded the first sight of this season’s drift ice today at 10am, at 80km offshore of Monbetsu City.

The ice belt was about 10m wide and 100m long and was drifting southwards towards Hokkaido.

According to the Meteorological Agency, in Abashiri City the drift ice should appear at the horizon by the end of this month. In Hokkaido this day is called the “first day of the drift ice”!

rf. photo and chart are from Regional Coastguard Headquarters website

https://www1.kaiho.mlit.go.jp/KAN1/drift_ice/1center_eng.html