Climate Change Transforms Mountain Snow Into Rain, Threatening Billions

Scientists found warming temperatures cause extreme precipitation to fall as rain rather than snow in mountain areas, increasing the risks of hazards like flooding and landslides.
For every degree of warming, the amount of extreme rainfall in the mountains increases by 15%, nearly double what was previously expected.
The changes apply only to areas 2,000 meters above sea level and higher, affecting about 25% of the global population living in or near mountain regions.
Rain causes more damage than snow in the mountains and cannot be stored for water supply like snowpack.
The findings can improve planning and infrastructure to protect vulnerable populations from climate change impacts like extreme rainfall.