Mount Fuji remains snow-free, the most recent year the mountain has been snow-free since records began 130 years ago.
Japan’s highest peaks usually receive snowfall in early October, but unusually warm weather has meant no snowfall so far this year.
According to AFP news agency, in 2023, snow was first seen on the mountain top on October 5.
Japan had a record-hot summer this year with temperatures from June to August 1.76C (3.1F) above average.
In September, temperatures continued to be warmer than expected due to a more northerly position of the subtropical jet stream allowing warmer air southward to pass over Japan.
ONE ray stream is a fast-flowing stream of air that moves across the planet. It occurs when warmer air from the south meets cooler air from the north.
Nearly 1,500 areas had days classified by the Japan Meteorological Association as “extremely hot” days – when temperatures reached or exceeded 35C (95F) last month.
Temperatures must be above freezing for rain to turn to snow.
October saw a slight drop in temperatures but was still warmer than the average month.
However, approaching November without a snowfall marks the longest wait of the year for snow on top since data was first collected in 1894.
The previous record of October 26 was seen twice before in 1955 and 2016, Yutaka Katsuta, a forecaster at the Kofu Local Meteorological Office, told AFP.
Although a single event cannot automatically be attributed to climate change, the observation of no snowfall on Mount Fuji is consistent with what climate experts predict for a changing world. heat up.
Mount Fuji, southwest of Tokyo, is Japan’s highest mountain at 3,776m (12,460 ft).
This volcano, which last erupted more than 300 years ago, can be seen from the Japanese capital on a clear day.
It is featured prominently in historical Japanese artwork, including wood block prints.
Last year, more than 220,000 people climbed the mountain from July to September.
Additional reporting by Tomasz Schafernaker
