hindu kush himalaya

Hindu Kush Himalaya Snow Cover Hits Lowest Level in Over Two Decades

Snow cover in the Hindu Kush Himalaya has reached its lowest point in over two decades, with snow persistence in 2026 at 27.8% below normal. This marks the fourth consecutive year of weak snow levels, threatening water availability for nearly two billion people who depend on rivers flowing from these mountains. Major basins including the Indus, Mekong, and Amu Darya have seen significant declines, while researchers link the trend to rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns.