A 130-year record has been broken at Mount Fuji (Japan), marking the latest date for snow to appear on the summit of this iconic mountain. The primary reason is the warming climate in Japan (and globally).
Mount Fuji, renowned in Japan, has remained snow-free until this point in the year. This is the latest time in the year that the summit and slopes have been without snow since records began 130 years ago, according to local meteorological authorities, as reported by AFP and The Japan News.
On average, snow starts to cover Mount Fuji from October 2nd each year. Last year, the snow appeared a bit later, on October 5th. However, due to the warm weather in Japan, influenced by global warming, there has been no snowfall on the highest mountain in Japan this year.
This year’s delay in snow at Mount Fuji has surpassed the previous record of October 26th, which only occurred twice before, in 1955 and 2016.
2024 sets the record for the latest snowfall on Mount Fuji in the 130 years of recorded data. (Photo: The Japan News/ Asia News Network).
People are accustomed to seeing Mount Fuji covered in white snow. (Photo: AFP).
Traditionally in Japan, the first snowfall on Mount Fuji in October is seen as a sign of the arrival of winter. Additionally, the image of snow-capped Mount Fuji serves as a cultural symbol for Japan. Many locals say they have never seen the summit “bare” as it is now, so late in October.
Mount Fuji is typically covered in snow for much of the year, with the snow melting away between June or July and September. However, this summer in Japan was the hottest on record, matching the temperatures of 2023. This is the main reason for the unwelcome record at Mount Fuji this year.
