Mount Fuji has officially set a record for being snowless later into the year than ever before, as warm weather persists in Japan. Typically, the iconic mountain, which towers at 3,776 meters (12,460 feet), receives its first snowfall by early October. This year, however, it has remained bare, marking the longest wait for a snowcap since record-keeping began over 130 years ago.
Recent statistics reveal that Japan experienced its hottest summer on record this year, with temperatures soaring 1.76°C (35.1°F) above average. September continued to bring unusual warmth, largely driven by a change in the subtropical jet stream, which allowed warm air to flow over the country. The Japan Meteorological Society reported nearly 1,500 regions experienced "extremely hot" days, reaching or exceeding 35°C (95°F) last month.
While temperatures have begun to cool slightly in October, they remain above average. The previous record for snowless days on Mount Fuji was set on October 26 in both 1955 and 2016. This year’s lack of snowfall has left observers and forecasters, including Yutaka Katsuta from the Kofu Local Meteorological Office, taking note of this unusual weather phenomenon. Mount Fuji is not only a natural wonder but also a significant cultural symbol, often portrayed in historic Japanese artworks.
