Mount Fuji Breaks Record for Longest Snowless Period as Japan Experiences Unusual Warmth

Mount Fuji, Japan‘s iconic and tallest mountain, has made history by remaining snowless later in the year than ever recorded before. As of October 30, 2024, the mountain has not seen any snow, marking the latest date in the 130-year record-keeping history. Typically, Mount Fuji receives its first dusting of snow by early October, but this year’s unusually warm conditions have prevented any snowfall.

The unprecedented warmth is a continuation of Japan’s hottest summer on record. From June to August, temperatures averaged 1.76°C (35.1°F) above normal, and September followed this trend with temperatures remaining higher than anticipated. This is attributed to the subtropical jet stream’s shift to a more northern position, allowing warmer air to flow in from the south.

Last month, nearly 1,500 locations in Japan experienced what the Japan Meteorological Society classified as “extremely hot” days, with temperatures reaching or exceeding 35°C (95°F). For rain to convert into snow, temperatures must be around the freezing mark, but October’s temperatures, although slightly moderated, still exceed the monthly average.

The previous latest date for snowfall on Mount Fuji was October 26, recorded in 1955 and 2016. With November approaching without any snowfall, this year sets a new record for the longest wait for a snowcap on the summit since data collection began in 1894.

Mount Fuji, standing at 3,776 meters (12,460 feet) and located southwest of Tokyo, is not only Japan’s tallest mountain but also a significant cultural and natural landmark. The volcano, which last erupted 300 years ago, is visible from the capital on clear days and is a prominent feature in traditional Japanese artwork).