Japan's Mount Fuji without snow for first time in 130 years

Arab Weather - Mount Fuji, one of Japan's most prominent natural landmarks, stands without a snow cover for the first time since records began 130 years ago. This unusual delay, which exceeded the usual date for the start of snowfall in early October, clearly reflects the effects of climate change in the region, as this phenomenon coincided with a summer and autumn with unprecedentedly high temperatures.

Reasons for the delay in snowfall on Mount Fuji

The Kofu Meteorological Bureau said the main reason for the delay in snowfall was the high temperatures in Japan this summer, with the average temperature 1.76 degrees Celsius above normal. This new record stands as the highest since 2010.
Yutaka Katsuta, a meteorologist at the Kofu office, said high temperatures in September prevented cold air from reaching the area, delaying snowfall on the mountain. Seventy-four Japanese cities recorded temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius in the first week of October, making conditions unfavorable for snow to accumulate on the summit.

Climate change and global snow belts

Experts say what’s happening at Mount Fuji isn’t an isolated incident, but part of the effects of global climate change. Recent studies have shown that snow belts around the world are steadily shrinking, with some areas losing 10 to 20 percent of their volume every decade, raising concerns among scientists about the future of mountain ecosystems.

El Niño phenomenon and its impact on weather in Japan

In addition to climate change, the El Niño phenomenon has contributed to the delay, weakening trade winds and allowing warm water to flow toward the west coast of the Americas. This climate change is affecting global weather, and is expected to make 2024 the hottest year on record.
Mount Fuji is known for its beauty and charm that attracts visitors, especially in winter when it is covered in snow. But as temperatures continue to rise, the snow season may become shorter than locals and tourists are used to. This shift could reshape the face of this iconic Japanese icon and raise questions about the future of the famous mountain in the face of accelerating climate change.

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