Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News

5 minutes read. Updated 3:13AM GMT Fri, 8th November, 2024

Japan’s revered Mount Fuji, the country’s tallest volcano and an iconic symbol, has finally received its annual snowcap this year, breaking records for the latest snowfall seen in 130 years. The historic event was confirmed by the Japan Meteorological Agency on Thursday, after an unusually long wait since the previous year’s first snowfall on October 5.

Mount Fuji, standing at 3,776 meters (12,388 feet), is traditionally covered with snow during the fall, marking the first official snow of the season. However, this year, the snow appeared much later than usual, and staff at the Kofu observatory, which tracks and announces the mountain’s snowcap each year, recorded the first signs of snow on Thursday morning.

This year’s snowcap came later than any previous occurrence since records began in 1894. The delay in snowfall has raised questions and concerns among meteorologists. Mamoru Matsumoto, a staff member at the Kofu observatory, expressed relief upon witnessing the snow, acknowledging the unease caused by the mountain’s unusually warm temperatures in the preceding weeks. “I feel relieved to finally see the snow,” said Matsumoto. “The temperature at the Fuji summit has been high since October, which made me anticipate a delay in the snowfall, but the snow has finally arrived.”

Unseasonably Warm Weather and Delayed Snowfall

The delay in Mount Fuji’s snowcap is primarily attributed to the recent rise in temperatures across Japan. October’s temperature at the summit of Mount Fuji reached a record high of 1.6 degrees Celsius (34.88 degrees Fahrenheit), compared to the historical average of -2 degrees Celsius (28.4 degrees Fahrenheit) for the same month. This warmth caused rainfall to fall as rain rather than snow, preventing the expected first snowfall from forming earlier.

Meteorologists have pointed to the unusually hot summer of 2024, which saw a nationwide temperature increase of 1.76 degrees Celsius (3.17 degrees Fahrenheit) from June to August, as a major contributing factor to the delay in snowfall. The continued trend of higher-than-usual temperatures has led to a shift in weather patterns, further complicating the expected snow formation.

A Tourist’s Delight

Despite the delay, the iconic snow-covered peak of Mount Fuji remains a major attraction for tourists worldwide. Maria Gabriel, a 28-year-old traveler from Texas, shared her excitement upon witnessing the mountain’s snowcapped beauty. “It’s beautiful with the snow, and that was kind of what our expectations were coming to Japan,” Gabriel said. “The image of the snowcapped Fuji is famous all around the world.”

For many, the image of Mount Fuji capped with snow is synonymous with Japan’s natural beauty, and the first snowfall is a significant cultural moment. Even with the delayed snow, the landmark continues to draw travelers from all corners of the globe.

Looking Ahead

As the weather patterns evolve and temperatures remain high, the future of Japan’s snow-covered peaks may continue to change. Scientists are closely monitoring these trends, as the impact of global warming becomes increasingly visible in various regions of the country. Nonetheless, the return of the snow to Mount Fuji is a welcomed reminder of Japan’s powerful natural landscapes, even as they face unprecedented shifts due to climate change.

Meta Description: Japan’s Mount Fuji experiences its latest snowfall in 130 years, marking an unusual delay in the annual snowcap formation due to rising temperatures. Read on for details about the historic event.