Mount Fuji snowless at end of October for first time in 130 years

Japan's iconic Mount Fuji remains snowless, marking the latest date without a snowcap since records began 130 years ago. This unprecedented delay surpasses the previous record of October 26, recorded twice in 1955 and 2016. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that Mount Fuji has yet to see any snow on its slopes this year, a phenomenon attributed to unusually high temperatures and prolonged warm weather.

Meteorologist Yutaka Katsuta from the Kofu Local Meteorological Office stated that this is the latest date since comparative data has been available in 1894. Katsuta explained, "The temperatures were high this year [...] which poses an obstacle to any cold air," contributing to the record delay in snowfall on Mount Fuji. Shinichi Yanagi, another meteorological officer at the Kofu office, noted that the absence of snow on Mount Fuji on October 29 broke the previous record. He said, "Because of the fact that high temperatures in Japan have been continuing since the summer and as it has been raining, there has been no snowfall."

Japan experienced its hottest summer on record this year, with temperatures between June and August being 1.76 degrees Celsius higher than average. The warm temperatures continued into September and October, preventing the cold air necessary for snow. In the first week of October 2023, at least 74 cities recorded temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius or higher. Meteorologists confirmed that prolonged warm weather, high temperatures, and rain have prevented the formation of snow on Mount Fuji.

The sub-tropical jet stream's more northerly position allowed a warmer southerly flow of air over Japan. A jet stream is a fast-flowing current of air that travels around the planet. It occurs when warmer air from the south meets cooler air from the north. The temperature has to be around freezing for rain to turn into snow, but the warmer conditions have impeded this process on Mount Fuji.

Mount Fuji, located on Honshu and southwest of Tokyo, is Japan's highest peak at 3,776 meters and can be seen from dozens of kilometers away, even from the capital. It is an active volcano that last erupted about 300 years ago. The mountain is a national icon, immortalized in numerous works of art, including Hokusai's "The Great Wave off Kanagawa." Temples and shrines are located around and on Mount Fuji, adding to its cultural significance.

The first snowfall on Mount Fuji traditionally signifies the arrival of winter and follows the summer climbing season, which this year ended on September 10. Last year, the first snowflakes were observed on October 5, and on September 30 the year before. Approaching November without snowfall marks the longest wait in the year for a snowcap on the summit since data collection began in 1894.

The impact of the lack of snow is not only symbolic for Mount Fuji, which appears in Japanese art with its unmistakable snow-capped summit, but it also affects the ski season in Japan. The ski season could be at risk if the trend of high temperatures persists. Longer summers are impacting snow cover and precipitation globally, affecting tourism, local economies, food and water supplies, and even allergies.

Scientists have long warned that the world needs to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels to stave off the most catastrophic impacts of climate change. News of the record-breaking lack of snow on Mount Fuji comes as a worrying indication of where the world is headed. A new study in January found that the climate crisis has reduced snowpack in most parts of the Northern Hemisphere in the last 40 years.

Beyond climate concerns, Mount Fuji has faced challenges from overtourism, which has intensified in recent years. During the hiking season from July to September, more than 220,000 visitors climb Mount Fuji's steep and rocky slopes. However, this year there have been fewer climbers after Japanese authorities introduced an entry fee and a daily visitor limit to combat the tourist overcrowding that was being recorded. The number of climbers represents a decrease of 14% between July and early September compared to the previous year.

Japanese officials have reported that visitors to Mount Fuji were littering, overtaxing toilet facilities, and hiking in improper gear, which resulted in accidents or injuries. The tourist tax aims to mitigate the environmental strain from millions of visitors who trek to Mount Fuji each year. Longer summers and increased tourism are seriously threatening the ecology of Mount Fuji.

Researchers at the Tokyo Climate Center stated in their report, "This delay is another clear sign of the effects of climate change," and they underline that this is the warmest autumn recorded in Japan since records began. Forecasters say the absence of snow on Mount Fuji has set a new record. However, authorities and experts do not rule out that, although late, the snowfalls may finally arrive in the coming weeks.

Sources: Folha de S.Paulo, Alrai-media, Liputan 6, The Independent, Japan Today, Faro de Vigo, Levante, Sky News, Black Country Radio, BBC, BBC News, South China Morning Post, El Periódico

This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq