Unprecedented Snowstorm on Mount Everest

Recently, Mount Everest experienced an unprecedented snowstorm that trapped hundreds of climbers on the northern side of the mountain. This storm was not just an ordinary weather event but an exceptional phenomenon due to the large amount of snow that fell in a short period, far exceeding any previous measurements on the mountain.

Details of the Snowstorm

According to Tom Matthews, a climate scientist at King’s College London, the storm was beyond the climate records collected over the past six years from weather stations on Everest. Matthews used a striking comparison to illustrate the event, saying that the tallest person you might see at the base camp was six feet seven inches tall, while the snow that fell on October 4th was equivalent to the height of a giant standing 23 feet tall.

Approximately 900 climbers and guides were rescued after the storm, according to the Associated Press. These individuals were climbing towards and around the base camp on the northern side of the mountain in Tibet during the Chinese National Holiday and the Mid-Autumn Festival. In Nepal, heavy rains caused widespread flooding and landslides, resulting in at least 47 deaths.

Unusual Weather Conditions

The storm dropped about three feet of snow in the Gama Valley in Tibet over Friday and Saturday, a period usually dry and mild in the region. The monsoon season in Tibet and Nepal runs from May to mid-September, and most climbers attempt to reach the summit of Everest in the spring before the monsoon season begins. However, the storm struck unexpectedly, making its impact more significant.

It was not the climbers who were most affected by the storm but the tourists stranded by the snow. They were trying to catch a glimpse of the mountain from its base in Tingri County, Tibet. The tourist route from the old village of Tingri to the northern base camp of Everest is one of the popular trails, taking four to five days.

Long-Term Impacts of Climate Change

According to climate scientists, extreme precipitation events are expected to increase as the climate continues to warm. This is because warmer air can hold more water vapor, leading to storms and precipitation. Two low-pressure systems, one on each side of India, contributed to increased water vapor levels in the region.

The surface temperature of the Bay of Bengal was two degrees Celsius higher than usual at this time of year, helping to condense the vapor into snow. As the monsoon winds withdraw from the region, scientists anticipate gaining more understanding of future atmospheric changes.

Conclusion

This unprecedented snowstorm on Mount Everest highlights the growing impacts of climate change on weather phenomena. The increase in sea temperatures and low pressure caused this rare event, indicating that the world may face more climate challenges in the future. It is essential to be prepared to face these changes and adapt to them to ensure the safety of individuals and the environment.