The Himalayas are experiencing a sharp decline in winter snowfall, leaving vast stretches of mountain terrain exposed and accelerating the already critical issue of glacial melt. Meteorologists report that snowfall over the last five years has significantly decreased compared to the average between 1980 and 2020, with some areas recording almost no precipitation in recent months. This reduction isn’t just an aesthetic shift; it has far-reaching consequences for water resources, ecosystems, and regional stability.
The Science Behind the Decline
The primary driver of this trend is rising global temperatures. Warmer air holds more moisture, leading to increased rainfall at lower elevations, but simultaneously reducing snowfall in higher regions. This results in a “snow drought” – where winter precipitation is critically low – a phenomenon now observed across much of the Himalayan region. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and other scientific bodies have confirmed that this trend is directly linked to anthropogenic global warming.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded near-zero precipitation across northern India in December, and forecasts suggest that January through March may see up to 86% below-average snowfall in key Himalayan states. These figures are based on the Long Period Average (LPA), calculated from 30–50 years of historical data, which provides a benchmark for assessing current weather patterns.
The Impact on Water Resources
Reduced snowfall directly threatens the water supply for nearly two billion people. The Himalayas act as the “water towers” of Asia, with snowmelt feeding major river basins that provide drinking water, irrigation, and hydropower to densely populated regions. As temperatures rise, this snow melts faster, disrupting the natural flow and creating potential water shortages. The ICIMOD reports that snowmelt contributes roughly 25% of the total annual runoff in the region’s 12 major river basins.
This isn’t just a distant future problem. Anomalies in snow persistence – how long snow remains on the ground before melting – have hit record lows, with 2024-2025 seeing nearly 24% below-normal levels. Four of the last five winters have experienced below-average snow persistence, a clear indication of a worsening trend.
Escalating Risks: Instability and Disaster
The loss of snow and ice isn’t just about water availability. It also destabilizes the mountains themselves. Ice and snow act as a natural “cement,” holding slopes together. As these elements disappear, the risk of rockfalls, landslides, and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) increases dramatically.
Scientists at the University of Reading and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jammu have independently confirmed that winter precipitation in the Himalayas is decreasing. One study found a 25% drop in snowfall over the past five years compared to the 1980-2020 average, while another highlights increasing snow droughts between 3,000 and 6,000 meters in elevation.
The Long-Term Outlook
The combined effects of melting glaciers and reduced snowfall present a dual threat: long-term water scarcity due to glacial depletion and immediate water supply disruptions due to faster snowmelt. The situation demands urgent action to mitigate climate change and adapt to the unavoidable consequences. The stakes are high, not just for the Himalayan region, but for the billions who depend on its resources.
The decline in Himalayan snowfall is a stark warning of the accelerating impacts of climate change, highlighting the vulnerability of critical ecosystems and the need for immediate global action to prevent a looming water crisis.
