From the Telegraph….

Tens of thousands of people living near Japan’s volatile Mount Asama have been told to brace themselves for a major volcanic eruption within 48 hours.

From later in the article…..

According to scientists at an observation station operated by Tokyo University, there was a sharp increase in volcanic earthquakes in the region in January, with their epicentres directly below the peak of the mountain. That volcanic activity accelerated on Sunday morning and was accompanied by crustal change, apparently caused by increased magma movement beneath the peak.

Experts are predicting an eruption is possible in a matter of hours and an initial blast could hurl volcanic rocks up to 2.5 miles.

If this thing blows, next winter will probably be even colder thzn this one already is.