snow

Recent reports highlight contrasting snow-related events globally. In southern Africa, late-season snow has fallen in South Africa and Lesotho as winter concludes, a notable occurrence while the Northern Hemisphere experiences heatwaves. Conversely, Swiss glaciers are facing a 'disastrous' year of ice loss. Researchers observed that even at high altitudes of 3,500 meters, where snow cover is typically expected, no snow remained at the end of summer. Some glaciers have experienced up to four meters of ice loss at their highest points, areas that should normally be covered by significant snow depth. This drastic reduction in snow and ice on glaciers is concerning due to its potential impact on water supplies, underscoring the immediate relevance of snow cover and its diminishing presence in some regions due to climate change.