This year, Mount Fuji is experiencing an unprecedented lack of snow, marking the latest date in history since records began 130 years ago. Traditionally, by early October, the summit of Japan's tallest mountain is dusted with snow; however, due to unusual warmth, it has remained bare. The first snowfall last year occurred on 5 October, as reported by AFP. The summer of 2023 was noted as one of Japan's hottest, with average temperatures being 1.76°C (3.2°F) above normal between June and August. September continued this trend, with temperatures influenced by a more northerly jet stream causing warmer air to flow over Japan.
Mount Fuji Records Latest Snowless Milestone Amidst Rising Temperatures
Mount Fuji Records Latest Snowless Milestone Amidst Rising Temperatures
With no snowfall recorded on Mount Fuji as late as October for the first time in recorded history, the phenomenon raises concerns about climate change and its impact on Japan's iconic peak.
The Japan Meteorological Society indicated that nearly 1,500 locations experienced "extremely hot" days in September, where temperatures reached or exceeded 35°C (95°F). Snowfall relies on temperatures being around freezing, and although October has seen a slight decrease in heat, it remains above average.
Approaching November without snow signifies the longest wait for a snow-covered summit since meteorological data was first collected in 1894, surpassing the previous latest dates of 26 October recorded in 1955 and 2016. Mount Fuji, located southwest of Tokyo, stands at 3,776 meters (12,460 feet) and is a significant cultural symbol, depicted in numerous traditional artworks and prints. The peak continues to attract tourists, with over 220,000 climbers over the last summer, yet recent developments lead officials to consider measures such as instituting fees to deter excessive tourism, while concerns over sustainability and environmental preservation grow.
Approaching November without snow signifies the longest wait for a snow-covered summit since meteorological data was first collected in 1894, surpassing the previous latest dates of 26 October recorded in 1955 and 2016. Mount Fuji, located southwest of Tokyo, stands at 3,776 meters (12,460 feet) and is a significant cultural symbol, depicted in numerous traditional artworks and prints. The peak continues to attract tourists, with over 220,000 climbers over the last summer, yet recent developments lead officials to consider measures such as instituting fees to deter excessive tourism, while concerns over sustainability and environmental preservation grow.
