Mount Fuji's Delayed First Snowfall: A Record-Breaking Event

Tuesday, 28 January 2025 18:09

Mount Fuji, Japan's highest peak, has experienced an unusual delay in its first snowfall this year, a phenomenon not seen in over 130 years. The delay has been attributed to Japan's record-breaking summer temperatures and aligns with predictions made by climate experts regarding rising global temperatures.

illustration Mount Fuji Snowfall Delay Illustration Gunung Fuji tak bersalju hingga Oktober berakhir

Table of Contents

Unprecedented Delay in Snowfall
Climate Change Implications

Mount Fuji, Japan's iconic and highest peak, has experienced an unusual delay in its first snowfall this year. This delay marks a significant event, as the mountain, revered for its beauty and standing at 3,776 meters, is typically adorned with a blanket of snow by early October. However, this year, the snowfall was absent until late October, a phenomenon unseen in over 130 years.

Unprecedented Delay in Snowfall

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

This persistent heat continued into September, with the subtropical jet stream shifting northward, bringing warmer air over Japan. As a consequence, nearly 1,500 regions in Japan experienced what the Japan Meteorological Society categorized as "extremely hot days." During these days, temperatures reached or exceeded 35°C. For snow to form, temperatures must be close to freezing.

Read Also: Japan's Snowy Onsen: A Winter Wonderland Escape

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

Climate Change Implications

Yutaka Katsuta, a weather forecaster at the Kofu Meteorological Office, emphasized that the previous record, with the first snowfall occurring on October 26th, had only been observed twice before – in 1955 and 2016. While a single event cannot be directly linked to climate change, the absence of snowfall on Mount Fuji aligns with predictions made by climate experts concerning rising global temperatures.

The delayed snowfall on Mount Fuji serves as a stark reminder of the changing climate. This event highlights the potential for extreme weather patterns and their impact on natural landscapes and ecosystems. It also underscores the need for continued research and efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change.