Winters in the Himalayas are becoming drier and warmer, leading to a noticeable rise in the snow line around Mount Everest. Satellite imagery from January 2025 reveals that snow cover is now limited to higher elevations, a pattern that has become more common in recent years. Unlike glaciers in North America and Europe that accumulate winter snowfall, Himalayan glaciers primarily gain mass during the monsoon season. However, strong winds, low humidity, and warmer temperatures are causing significant snow loss through sublimation rather than melting.
The snow line in the Everest region rose by 150 meters (490 feet) between December 2024 and January 2025, reaching approximately 6,100 meters (20,000 feet). This shift, exacerbated by prolonged dry conditions, has implications for water security and has contributed to an early start to Nepal’s 2025 fire season. Scientists suggest this trend may indicate a “new normal” for the region, with lasting consequences for local communities and ecosystems.
