On Tuesday, Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji marked a historic milestone by remaining snowless, setting a new record for the latest date without a snowcap since weather records began 130 years ago, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
Typically, snow begins to form on the volcano’s summit around October 2, but this year, unusually warm weather has delayed the onset of winter conditions. The last recorded snowfall occurred on October 5, 2023.
Yutaka Katsuta, a forecaster with the Kofu Local Meteorological Office, confirmed that this year’s lack of snowfall surpasses the previous record of October 26, previously noted in both 1955 and 2016.
Katsuta attributed the delay to a prolonged period of high temperatures that continued into September, preventing the arrival of the cold air necessary for snow formation.
Unusually warm weather delays snow formation, highlighting climate change’s impact.He also indicated that climate change may be contributing to these abnormal weather patterns.
This year’s summer was notably significant, tied as the hottest on record in Japan, with extreme heatwaves impacting various regions globally.
The combination of rising temperatures and changing weather patterns raises concerns about the implications for seasonal weather phenomena and local ecosystems.
Mount Fuji, Japan’s tallest peak at 3,776 meters, is renowned for its picturesque snow-covered summit, which typically attracts over 220,000 visitors during the July-September hiking season.
However, this year saw a decrease in climbers due to new regulations that introduced entry fees and daily visitor caps to combat over-tourism.
As the world grapples with the effects of climate change, the snowless slopes of Mount Fuji serve as a poignant reminder of the challenges ahead and the need for sustainable practices to protect such natural treasures.