Text by Alex
Although December has arrived, the summit of Japan’s Mount Fuji remains snow-free—an unusual situation that has become a hot topic locally. Netizens have expressed concern that this phenomenon could signal volcanic eruptions or earthquakes, causing widespread anxiety (related reports). Yesterday (the 28th), Mount Fuji finally regained its snowy crown, complemented by a cap cloud, creating an exceptionally elegant scene.
▲ On the morning of the 28th, Mount Fuji’s summit was covered by a large cap cloud, with snow accumulation beginning to increase. (Photo by Weathernews.jp)
According to reports from the Weathernews website, the return of snow was due to rainfall brought by a low-pressure system from the south. At the same time, as humidity increased and wind speeds strengthened, a "cap cloud" appeared over Mount Fuji, signaling potential rainfall.
▲ A photo taken by Weathernews on Friday the 18th shows Mount Fuji’s summit completely devoid of snow. (Photo by Weathernews.jp)
Additionally, on Sunday the 27th morning, Weathernews captured the "Red Fuji" spectacle from Susono City, Shizuoka Prefecture. The mountain was bathed in the morning sunlight, turning a striking shade of red. In winter, when the mountain is covered in snow, this phenomenon is called "Akafuji" (Red Fuji); in summer, when there’s no snow, it’s referred to as "Sekifuji" (Red Fuji). Although it’s winter, since Mount Fuji remains snowless, the current view is considered "Red Fuji."
There's not much of this year left. Snowfall in northern Japan has also settled down considerably, and many places welcomed a calm, windless morning today, the 27th (Sun). Early this morning, a "Red Fuji" — Mount Fuji dyed red by the morning sun — appeared in Shizuoka. https://t.co/XLhSRaFN2i pic.twitter.com/HIu1ZJnzYB
— Weathernews (@wni_jp) December 26, 2020
▲ The "Red Fuji" spectacle appeared on the morning of the 27th.
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▲ Other netizens also captured the "Red Fuji" view on the same day.
Reports indicate that rainfall in areas around Mount Fuji has been decreasing since November. Compared to last year, the average rainfall over the past 60 days has dropped by more than 90%, believed to be the main reason why the summit has remained snow-free this year. However, with the return of clouds and rain, snow accumulation on the peak is expected to gradually increase again.
View this post on InstagramPost shared by fujisangaiine (@fujisangaiine)
▲ During the daytime on the 28th, although temperatures rose, some snow still remained on Mount Fuji’s summit.
View this post on InstagramPost shared by Daisuke Sei (@daisuke_sei)
▲ Mount Fuji viewed from the west. In the foreground is Lake Tanuki.
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▲ Mount Fuji in the evening of the 28th.
Tonight’s Mount Fuji—what a presence. pic.twitter.com/wkp5o4IDZu
— やまたい (@tairyu1135) December 28, 2020
▲ By the evening of the 28th, the snow on Mount Fuji had not melted, prompting netizens to marvel, “Tonight’s Mount Fuji is incredibly striking.”
A mountain that looks especially cool once it’s covered in snow pic.twitter.com/wNn2DrEEh0
— やまたい (@tairyu1135) December 28, 2020
▲ “A mountain that looks especially cool once it’s covered in snow.” The foreground features Lake Yamanaka.
View this post on InstagramPost shared by Hiroshi Naito?? (@fujisan_knight)
▲ Mount Fuji looks especially stunning against the backdrop of Lake Yamanaka and the glow of the setting sun.
View this post on InstagramPost shared by Hiroshi Naito?? (@fujisan_knight)
▲ On the morning of the 29th, the summit was once again dyed red by the rising sun.
Source: WeatherNews.jp