In a Japan which has just recorded for the second consecutive year the hottest summer since meteorological records were established in 1894, here is another climatic anomaly. At the end of October, the summit of Mount Fuji, symbol of Japan, remains black, without snow. Usually, this mountain peaking at 3,776 meters above sea level is adorned with its white coat from the beginning of October, as seen in the background of The Great Vague of Kanagawa, famous print by Hokusai.
“This is an event never observed since meteorological records of this parameter began in 1984 – it is the first time that we have had to wait until November to see the summit of Mount Fuji white with snow” , underlines the Japanese site specializing in climate news Tank.
Is this phenomenon due to climate change? According to the daily Asahi Shimbun, Snow cover on Mount Fuji tends to occur later and later. It only occurred on October 26 in 1955 and in 2016. This record has now been broken.
“I suspect that global warming is one of the factors, although we don't know the exact reasons” of this phenomenon, estimates Mamoru Matsumoto, agent at the Japan Meteorological Agency branch located in Kofu, 40 kilometers northwest of the summit. This is specifically responsible for monitoring the summit in order to record its snowfall, an event supposed to announce the arrival of winter in the country.
According to the site tank, she will probably have to wait another week to see the top whiten. Rain is forecast on the morning of November 6. Combined with cooler temperatures, they could turn into snow at summit level.
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