Mount Fuji Experiences Unprecedented Delay in First Snowfall, Longest in Over 130 Years

Mount Fuji, Japan's highest peak, has been experiencing an unusual delay in its first snowfall this year. This iconic mountain, revered by locals and towering at 3,776 meters, is normally draped in snow by early October. However, this year, the mountain remained snow-free until late October, marking a phenomenon unseen in over 130 years.

An Unprecedented Delay

The last time Mount Fuji saw its first snowfall so late was in 2016, when snow arrived on October 26th. This year's delay has been attributed to Japan's record-breaking summer temperatures. June through August saw temperatures 1.76 degrees Celsius higher than the average for the period between 1991 and 2020.

The Impact of Heat

These high temperatures persisted into September, with a northward shift in the subtropical jet stream bringing warmer air over Japan. As a result, almost 1,500 regions experienced what the Japan Meteorological Society classified as "extremely hot days" – with temperatures reaching or exceeding 35°C. For snow to form, temperatures need to be close to freezing.

Record-Breaking Delay

While October saw a slight decrease in temperatures, they remained above average. Data records, dating back to 1894, show that this is the longest period without snowfall on Mount Fuji before November.

Historical Context

Yutaka Katsuta, a weather forecaster at the Kofu Meteorological Office, highlighted that the previous record, with the first snowfall occurring on October 26th, was observed twice before – in 1955 and 2016.

Why was there a delay in the first snowfall on Mount Fuji this year?

The delay in snowfall on Mount Fuji this year was attributed to Japan's record-breaking summer temperatures. June through August saw temperatures 1.76 degrees Celsius higher than the average for the period between 1991 and 2020.

When was the last time Mount Fuji saw its first snowfall so late?

The last time Mount Fuji saw its first snowfall so late was in 2016, when snow arrived on October 26th.

How much higher were the temperatures this summer compared to the average?

June through August saw temperatures 1.76 degrees Celsius higher than the average for the period between 1991 and 2020.

What was the previous record for the latest first snowfall on Mount Fuji?

The previous record for the latest first snowfall on Mount Fuji was October 26th, which occurred in 1955 and 2016.

A Sign of Climate Change?

Although a single event cannot be directly linked to climate change, the absence of snowfall on Mount Fuji aligns with predictions made by climate experts regarding rising global temperatures.