National News Fall falling back, spring springing forward

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A study by the Meteorological Agency says fall foliage is appearing more than two weeks later than about 50 years ago due to global warming, agency officials said Nov. 9.

Maple leaves now turn red an average 15.6 days later in the fall, while ginkgo leaves become yellow 10.7 days later, according to the agency report.

The study also says that spring flowers are blooming nearly 10 days earlier.

In the spring, camellias start blossoming 9.4 days earlier than 50 years ago, while cherry blossoms appear 4.2 days earlier. Dandelions bloom six days earlier.

The average date cherry trees blossom in six major cities, including Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka, is 6.1 days earlier than a half-century ago. In small and midsize cities the date is 2.8 days earlier.

This suggests that temperature rises are greater in big cities, partly because of the higher concentration of concrete buildings, which trap heat.

The agency began observing specific trees, plants and animals in 1953 to follow the changes of the seasons. (Kyodo)

50年前より秋は遅く、春は早く

気象庁の調査によると、地球温暖化の影響により、紅葉の時期は50年前と比べて2週間以上も遅くなっていることが分かった。

Shukan ST: Nov. 18, 2005

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