- Sunday, 8 February 2026
By Indira Aryal
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.
A Visit To Enchanting Kalinchowk
Nestled on the top of a rocky mountain in Dolakha district lies the Kalinchowk Bhagawati Temple, a popular religious and cultural destination that enchants the every traveller who reaches there. Located at an el
Lingering air pollution causing eye irritation in capital
Sabnam Shrestha, a resident of Bhaktapur, has been experiencing a persistent burning sensation in his eyes for the past few days. Initially considering a visit to the eye doctor, he hesitated upon learning about the escalating air pollution levels in Kathmandu. Believing his discomfort to be a common consequence of the worsening environmental conditions, he opted against seeking medical attention.
