Mount Fuji, Japan’s iconic peak, has finally donned its winter coat, marking a record-breaking delay in snowfall, with the first dusting of snow appearing on Wednesday, the latest snowfall recorded since record-keeping began in 1894, Al Jazeera reports.
The appearance of the snow cap, usually a sight by early October, was captured by photographers and residents alike, sharing images of the snow-dusted summit. The Shizuoka branch of the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) confirmed the snowfall on the southwestern side of the mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This year’s delay surpasses the previous record of October 26, set in 1955 and 2016. The unusually warm autumn, with average October temperatures at the summit reaching a record high of 1.6 degrees Celsius, is attributed to the late snowfall. This warm spell follows Japan’s hottest summer on record, likely influenced by global climate patterns.
While the JMA cites the warm weather as the reason for the delay, they acknowledge that it is too early to link the late snowfall to global warming.
Mount Fuji, also known as “Fujisan,” is a symbol of Japan and a popular destination for hikers seeking to witness the sunrise from its summit. However, the increasing number of visitors has led to concerns about overtourism and environmental damage, prompting calls for stricter measures to control crowds and protect the mountain’s natural beauty.
