First time after 130 years, Japan’s Mount Fuji stays snow-less; specialists share causes

In one other instance of local weather change, Japan’s Mount Fuji has nonetheless remained snow-less, marking the newest date for a snowcap absence in 130 years of information. In keeping with a CNN report, the nation’s highest peak is normally coated with snow by October, however as of October 30, there are nonetheless no indicators of snow.

The volcano’s snowcap begins forming on October 2 on common. In 2023, snow was first detected on October 5.

Giving causes for such an occasion, Shinichi Yanagi, a meteorological officer at the Kofu workplace informed CNN, “Due to the truth that excessive temperatures in Japan have been persevering with because the summer season and because it has been raining, there was no snowfall.”

Whereas chatting with AFP, Yutaka Katsuta, a forecaster at Kofu Native Meteorological Workplace stated, “Temperatures have been excessive this summer season, and these excessive temperatures continued into September, deterring chilly air” which brings snow.” He additionally acknowledged that local weather changes could be influencing the delaying of the formation of the snowcap.

That marks the newest date since comparative information turned obtainable in 1894, he stated beating the earlier file of October 26 — seen twice, in 1955 after which in 2016.

Mount Fuji is roofed in snow for many of the 12 months, however, throughout the July-September climbing season, greater than 220,000 guests trudge up its steep, rocky slopes.

Many climb the evening to see the dawn from the three776-metre (12,388-foot) summit. Fewer climbers tackled Mount Fuji this 12 months nonetheless after Japanese authorities launched an entry charge and a eeach-daycap on numbers to combat overtourism. Online reservations have been additionally introduced in these 12 months by officers involved in security and environmental harm on the nation’s highest mountain. The variety of climbers fell by 14 p.c between early July — when the volcano’s climbing trails opened for the summer season — and early September, in keeping with the setting ministry.