KARACHI, Pakistan 

Unseasonal snow hit the Japanese capital Tokyo on Wednesday amid extremely unstable weather in the country.

A developing low-pressure system prompted the weather agency to issue advisories for severe atmospheric conditions including gales, thunderstorms and high waves in wide areas of the Japanese archipelago, Tokyo-based Kyodo News reported.

The unusual weather, caused by very cold air and a low-pressure system, is stretching from Japan's west to east, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency, which advised caution for lightning, tornadoes, hail and heavy rain.

The agency also warned of snowstorms and strong winds in the country's northern and western regions.

The unusual snowfall comes ahead of Japan's cherry blossom season, with the flowers forecasted to start blooming in Tokyo on Saturday.