The Himalayas are warming up faster than ever before, and a new study by researchers at IIT Kharagpur has revealed why. The findings show that Jammu and Kashmir's mountains are warming at an alarming rate, with temperatures rising by nearly 1 degree Celsius over the past two decades. This is a cause for concern, as it threatens the region's glaciers, water security, agriculture, hydropower, biodiversity, and tourism.
The study, published in Scientific Reports, analyzed 44 years of weather data and identified a clear pattern of Elevation-Dependent Warming (EDW). This means that temperatures are rising much faster at higher elevations than in the plains. The research found that annual temperatures rise by around 0.18 degrees Celsius for every kilometre of elevation, and during winter, the warming rate increases to 0.43 degrees Celsius per kilometre every decade.
So, what's causing this rapid warming? The study attributes it to a phenomenon known as the snow-albedo feedback loop. As temperatures rise, seasonal snow melts earlier, exposing dark mountain rocks beneath. Unlike bright snow, which reflects sunlight, these darker surfaces absorb more heat, accelerating warming and speeding up glacier melt. This feedback loop is a vicious cycle that further exacerbates the warming trend.
The study also found that nighttime minimum temperatures are increasing faster than daytime maximum temperatures, particularly at mid-altitude locations. Increased atmospheric moisture acts like an insulating blanket, preventing mountains from cooling efficiently after sunset. This is a critical finding, as it highlights the complex interplay between temperature, moisture, and altitude in the region.
In contrast to the warming mountains, the plains of Jammu recorded a slight cooling trend. The study says these areas lack seasonal snow cover, preventing the snow-albedo feedback from taking effect. Researchers also attribute the cooling partly to the expansion of irrigated agriculture. Increased soil moisture boosts evaporation, which removes heat from the surrounding air and creates a natural cooling effect.
The unique geography of Jammu and Kashmir makes it especially vulnerable to uneven warming. Stretching from subtropical plains to Himalayan peaks above 5,500 metres, the region spans three distinct climatic zones. The IMD data from 10 stations across Jammu and Kashmir shows that warming has remained steady over the past four decades. High-altitude regions have warmed by nearly 1 degree in just 20 years, while some mid-elevation stations are warming by around 0.3 degrees per decade.
The changing climate is already affecting the region. July 2025 recorded the three hottest days ever observed in the Kashmir Valley, placing additional stress on water resources. As the Himalayas serve as India's water tower, the impact on water availability is a significant concern. Shrinking glaciers and declining winter snowfall could affect agriculture, horticulture, winter tourism, alpine ecosystems, forests, meadows, and biodiversity, while also threatening drinking water, irrigation, and hydropower supplies across northern India.
The study also highlights the role of human activity in exacerbating climate change. Experts point to compounding vehicular exhaust alongside a massive wave of unregulated construction on mountain slopes. The growing number of vehicles entering mountain regions is adding to the problem, trapping highly destructive emissions in narrow mountain valleys. This immense traffic logjam traps highly destructive emissions in narrow mountain valleys, causing a crisis with the emission of carbon monoxide. This carbon monoxide spreads as black carbon, which is not only increasing the temperature of the Lower Himalayas but is also the most responsible factor for glacier melting in the Himalayas and the changing micro-climate.
The findings of this study should serve as a warning beyond Kashmir. Faster warming at higher elevations threatens glaciers, water security, agriculture, hydropower, biodiversity, and tourism across northern India. The researchers and experts say the study underscores the need for stronger conservation measures and climate adaptation strategies before these changes become irreversible. It's time to take action and address the root causes of climate change before it's too late.
