Mount Fuji, the tallest peak in Japan, is typically snow-covered by early October, but this year is different. Scientists have just recorded a new low — the summit of Fuji remains "bare," even with November approaching, according to BBC.
Researchers are concerned about this development, linking the lack of snow on Fuji's summit to global warming and unusually warm weather. This year, there have been no snowfall events, and meteorologists have recorded Japan's hottest summer on record, with temperatures from June to August averaging 1.76°C above normal.
In September, temperatures continued to exceed expectations, as the northern position of the subtropical jet stream allowed warmer southern air to flow over Japan. Consequently, the summit of Mount Fuji remains snow-free, setting a new record for the longest "bare" period in recorded history, which began 130 years ago.
Researchers note that the jet stream is a fast-moving air current that circles the Earth, forming when warmer air from the south meets colder air from the north.
According to the Japan Meteorological Society, nearly 1,500 areas recorded "extremely hot" days last month, with temperatures reaching or exceeding 35°C. It is known that for rain to turn into snow, temperatures need to be around freezing, which is why the summit of Fuji remains "bare."
In October, the heat in Japan subsided somewhat; however, meteorologists report that temperatures still remained above average. Meanwhile, the approach of November without snow marks the longest wait for a snow cap on the summit in a year since data collection began in 1894.
It is worth noting that the previous record for the longest absence of snow on Mount Fuji was recorded twice: in 1955 and 2016. However, according to local meteorologist Yutaka Katsuta, individual events cannot be automatically attributed to climate change, but this trend aligns with what climatologists predict under global warming conditions.
Mount Fuji is located southwest of Tokyo and is Japan's highest peak, standing at 3,776 meters. On clear days, the volcano, which last erupted just over 300 years ago, is visible from the Japanese capital.
Additionally, Mount Fuji holds a prominent place in historical Japanese art, including woodblock prints. Last year, over 220,000 people climbed to the summit between July and September.