- Friday, 22 August 2025
By Indira Aryal
Weather stations established in various places
The Central Department of Hydrology and Meteorology of Tribhuvan University has established automatic climate stations in various places across the country to collect data related to rainfall and climate.
Glacier melt hampers livelihood of downstream communities
When Phu Sherpa, an icefall doctor, started his work in 2015, he found plenty of solid ice while securing routes through the Khumbu Icefall on Mt. Everest. Now, he has noticed a significant decrease in snow and ice. This change has made it harder to dig snow bars and place ice screws, which were easier tasks when there was more snow. Phu has observed alarming glacier decreases on Lubuche Peak and Island Peak, near Mount Everest. Having climbed these peaks nearly 40 times, he noticed a significant reduction in glacier size. Starting as an icefall doctor in 2015, Phu was on duty when the Gorkha earthquake struck Nepal. While many of his friends were injured, he escaped unharmed and continued working until two years ago. During his early years in his job, he saw plentiful ice, but now, many areas have turned into bare black rock. “Not everywhere, but in some places, the volume of ice is decreasing, as we noticed during our ice bar digging process,” he said.
Second-lowest snow persistence on record in 2024
The Hindu Kush Himalaya reported lower-than-normal snow persistence in 2024, marking the second lowest level recorded since 2003. The lowest level was recorded in 2018. In 2024, snow persistence was 18 per cent below normal, while 2018 set the benchmark with 19 per cent below-normal snow, according to an annual Snow Update Report published by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) on Monday. Snow persistence, the fraction of time snow remains on the ground, is significantly lower than normal in the HKH this year, with serious implications for downstream communities’ water security, experts said.
Surge in urban temperature calls for enhanced green initiatives
As the sun rises over the Kathmandu Valley, Sita Lama begins her daily walk to work. The once-cool mornings have turned oppressively hot; she suspects the effect of the increasing population and felling of big trees in the Valley.
More frequent droughts call for resilience
Every year, June 5 is marked as World Environment Day with a special theme. This year, the theme is “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience,” and the slogan “Our land. Our future. We are #GenerationRestoration.”
Expert meet ends, stresses climate cooperation
With a message that healthy mountains are crucial for a healthy climate, the two-day International Expert Dialogues on Mountains, People and Climate concluded here on Thursday. Other messages of the j
Experts call for action on climate change adaptation
Local communities are grappling with the impact of climate change and climate-induced weather events, but the focus on adaptation options is insufficient, environment experts and other stakeholders said.
Climate change calls for global cooperation: PM
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said that mountains played a pivotal role in the global climate system, maintaining the global temperature and serving as water towers for billions of peopl
Plastic pollution persists despite repeated prohibitions
The plastic build-up in Kathmandu Valley's riverbeds illustrates the environmental consciousness, or lack thereof, among urban residents. It is common to see people disposing their waste, often wrapped i
New bird species for Nepal recorded in Mustang
A new bird species for Nepal has been documented in Lomanthang, Mustang district. The White-cheeked Starli
More rains predicted for upcoming monsoon
The upcoming monsoon is forecast to bring more than average rainfall almost across the entire country. There may be a significant increase in weather events as the rainfall during this monsoon is expected to exceed normal levels, with both maximum and minimum temperatures also predicted to be higher than usual, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology.
Melamchi water likely to stop ahead of monsoon
Rumours have begun circulating that the residents of Kathmandu may not be able to drink Melamchi water this rainy season, as in the past year. This has caused concern among the city dwellers as water sources have dried up due to the prolonged drought this year. Amidst this fear, Rajendra Prasad Panta, spokesperson for the Melamchi Water Supply Development Committee, stated tha
13 snow leopards found in Manaslu area
A scientific study conducted in the Manaslu Conservation Area in Gorkha district to ascertain the population of snow leopards found a total of 13 adult animals, excluding two cubs.
Fire tolls expanding across country
Over 50 flights from Pokhara International Airport were disrupted on Monday and Tuesday due to a dense haze from the forest fires engulfing the surroundings of the airport.
90 snow leopards recorded in Upper Dolpa
The sighting of at least 90 snow leopards in the Upper Dolpa region of Shey Phoksundo National Park area in Dolpa district shows a significant achievement of conservation efforts in Nepal.
