Additional Coverage:
Mount Fuji Regains Snowcap After Record Delay
Mount Fuji, Japan’s iconic volcano, has finally welcomed its winter blanket of snow. This year, snow fell on the peak on October 29th, breaking a 130-year record for the latest snowfall.
Climate Change and Warm Temperatures
The record delay in snowfall has been attributed to unusually warm temperatures in Japan this fall. Higher-than-average temperatures have extended into September and October, melting away any snowfall. Climate change is believed to have contributed to these warm conditions, increasing the likelihood of such unseasonable events.
Climate Change Impacts on Snowpacks
Research indicates that climate change has led to a reduction in snowpacks across the Northern Hemisphere in recent decades. Snowpacks are retreating to higher elevations on mountains, and famed peaks like Mount Kilimanjaro and the Andes are experiencing significant snow loss.
Mount Fuji’s History
Mount Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, last erupted in 1707. Despite its active status, it remains one of Japan’s most beloved and recognizable landmarks.