2024 will mark the latest snowfall on Japan's tallest and most iconic mountain since records began 130 years ago. The previous record for the latest first snowfall was set on October 26, 1955, and then again in 2016.
Japan's famous Mount Fuji remains snow-free so far this year, the latest time of year since records began 130 years ago, according to the local meteorological agency, as reported by AFP and The Japan News.
Japan's Mount Fuji is usually covered in snow in early October, but as of October 29, it was still bare - marking the latest day without snowfall since records began 130 years ago.
On average, snow begins to cover Mount Fuji on October 2nd every year. Last year, the snow appeared a little later, on October 5th. But because of the warm weather in Japan, due to the influence of global warming, this year there has been no snow on Japan's highest mountain.
The first snowfall of the year on Mount Fuji usually signals the arrival of winter. Higher-than-normal temperatures are believed to be the cause of the late snowfall on the mountain, according to the Kofu Regional Meteorological Agency.
Every year, weather officials confirm the first snowfall of the season from the meteorological office, located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the mountain. The practice began in 1894, when the previous observatory was established. Officials say cloudy weather around the mountain or in the city can make it difficult to detect the formation of a snow cover even after it has fallen.
Scientists predict this phenomenon is caused by global warming.
This summer in Japan was the hottest on record – on par with 2023 – as extreme heatwaves fueled by climate change gripped parts of the globe. During the July-September climbing season, more than 220,000 visitors trekked up the steep rocky slopes, many of them overnight to watch the sunrise from the 3,776-meter peak.
However, this year, fewer people have climbed Mount Fuji after the Japanese government introduced an entrance fee and a daily limit on the number of climbers to curb overtourism.
