Japanese scientists look anxiously at the peak of the highest mountain in their country. Mount Fuji, a 3,776-meter-high stratovolcano, should be white with snow at this time of year. However, for the second day in a row, no rainfall was recorded in this place. Experts point out that such a situation has happened for the first time since the end of the 19th century, when data collection began.
The formation of snow cover on the Japanese peak of Fuji usually begins on October 2 and traditionally marks the change of season in this country. Every now and then there is a deviation from the norm, but never before have scientists recorded such a long period without snowfall.
The lack of snowfall on Monday, October 28, means breaking the previous record recorded in 2016 and 1955, when precipitation was waited until October 26. Such an anomaly occurred for the first time since 1894, when data collection began.
“Temperatures were high this summer”
Some experts attribute this year's situation to the record-breaking hot and exceptionally long summer in Japan. In 2024, the Land of the Rising Sun, like the rest of the globe, struggled with waves of extreme heat.
“Temperatures were high this summer and lasted until September, which discouraged cold air,” said Yutaka Katsuta, a forecaster at the Kofu Local Meteorological Office.
According to the expert, climate change may have some impact on the delay in the formation of snow cover.
Mount Fuji covered in snowShutterstock
Active stratovolcano
Fuji is located on the Japanese island of Honshu. The country's highest peak is also an active stratovolcano that last erupted about 300 years ago.
For most of the year, the slopes of the mountain are covered with snow, which disappears during the summer period. Then most tourists decide to climb at night to see the sunrise from a height of 3,776 meters.
Main photo source: Shutterstock