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.
