With cloudy weather expected in many places across Japan at the year's end and at the outset of 2004, the chances of watching the sun come up on New Year's Day are slim, the Japan Meteorological Agency said Friday.
Many regions in northern Japan and on the Sea of Japan coast are likely to see cloudy skies, snow or rain, while clear skies are expected in areas along the Pacific Ocean, it said.
Cold air will blanket the country by Sunday.
By Monday, a strong winter pressure pattern will dominate for a while. Both high and low temperatures will be below average in many areas until around Sunday, but will later rise to average or higher.
From Jan. 3, temperatures are expected to be average or higher nationwide, with the exception of northern Japan.
The agency said stormy weather may be seen along coasts and hills in northern Japan on Monday and Tuesday and on Thursday and Friday.
It said people planning to engage in leisure activities should exercise caution.