In brief
Mount Fuji is experiencing an unusual phenomenon this year, remaining snow-free later into the year than ever before in recorded history.
In an unprecedented development, Japan’s majestic Mount Fuji, the nation's highest peak at 3,776 meters (12,460 ft), is without snow for longer than ever documented, marking the latest snowless period since records began 130 years ago. Typically, snow begins to crown the mountain by early October, but due to exceptionally warm weather, there have been no reports of snowfall in 2023 thus far.According to AFP, snow was last spotted on Mount Fuji's summit on October 5 in previous years, but this year, the mountain’s cap remains absent as we approach November. Japan experienced its hottest joint summer on record this year, with temperatures soaring between June and August, averaging a staggering 1.76°C (35.1°F) higher than usual. Even in September, temperatures stayed elevated, influenced by the subtropical jet stream’s position.Japan's Meteorological Society reported nearly 1,500 locations facing "extremely hot" days, where temperatures soared beyond 35°C (95°F) last month. For snow to form, temperatures generally need to hover around freezing, but the warmth continues to linger.October's weather has slightly moderated; however, it remains warmer than the monthly average. As the nation approaches the end of October, the absence of snow on Mount Fuji now marks the longest delay since records began in 1894. The previous delays, noted in 1955 and 2016, saw the first snow around October 26.Well-known for its spectacular views, Mount Fuji is a key part of Japan's culture and has been immortalized in numerous artistic works, including classic woodblock prints. In 2022, over 220,000 adventurers journeyed to the mountain’s peak, highlighting its continued allure despite the changing climate.
