Japan's weather officials say the average temperature in November is likely to be high in much of the country, but they expect to see cooling in December and January.

The public is advised to take care when temperatures dip as autumn turns to winter.

The Meteorological Agency announced their three-month forecast on Tuesday.

It predicts normal or higher temperatures in November in northern Japan. They expect temperatures to be high from eastern Japan through the Okinawa and Amami regions in the south.

The agency also says temperatures are likely to be higher than normal particularly around the beginning of next month.

Weather officials forecast normal or above-normal snowfall during the three months in areas along the Sea of Japan coast from northern to western Japan.

They say some areas may have heavy snowfall when the winter pressure pattern temporarily becomes stronger or a developed low pressure system passes by.

Meteorological Agency official Tanaka Shotaro noted that temperatures may vary widely from fall to winter. He said the country will likely see a typical cold winter, and called on people to make early preparations.