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 phenomenon 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.
One of the key reasons for this rapid warming is the snow-albedo feedback loop. As temperatures rise, seasonal snow melts earlier, exposing dark mountain rocks beneath. These darker surfaces absorb more heat, accelerating warming and speeding up glacier melt. 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.
In contrast, the plains of Jammu recorded a slight cooling trend. This is because 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, 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.
Experts say global climate change is being compounded by rapid local development. 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 causes a crisis with the emission of carbon monoxide, which spreads as black carbon and increases the temperature of the Lower Himalayas. It is also the most responsible factor for glacier melting in the Himalayas and the changing micro-climate.
Unregulated construction on mountain slopes is another issue. Earlier, a single-story structure was a rare sight, but now heavy four- and five-story concrete buildings can be seen. At the same time, prolonged dry spells during both winter and summer have increased the frequency and intensity of forest fires across the Western Himalayas, including Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. These blazes release massive blankets of carbon directly into the mountain air, trapping even more heat and serving as the final blow to the local environment.
The findings of this study add to growing evidence that climate change in the Himalayas is no longer a distant concern. 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.
