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Winter Snowfall Plummets in Himalayas, Threatening Water Security

1/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Meteorologists report a significant decline in winter Himalayan snowfall that affects regions in India and Nepal.
Over the past five years, snowfall has fallen relative to the 1980–2020 average.
Predictions indicate up to 86% less precipitation in parts of northern India this winter.
Nepal has seen zero rainfall since October, with studies indicating a record low in snow persistence that threatens water security for nearly two billion people.

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Story summary

Meteorologists report a significant decline in winter Himalayan snowfall that affects regions in India and Nepal.
Over the past five years, snowfall has fallen relative to the 1980–2020 average.
Predictions indicate up to 86% less precipitation in parts of northern India this winter.
Nepal has seen zero rainfall since October, with studies indicating a record low in snow persistence that threatens water security for nearly two billion people.