This research provides the first clear evidence linking seasonal shifts in South Asian monsoon rainfall and snowfall to increased glacier melting, alongside the ongoing impacts of global warming.

Glaciers across High Mountain Asia are losing over 22 gigatons of ice annually, which is nearly 9 million Olympic swimming pools worth of ice, primarily driven by climate warming and changing monsoon patterns.

High Mountain Asia, known as the 'Third Pole,' contains the world's largest glacier ice reserves outside the Arctic and Antarctic, supporting water supplies for over 1.4 billion people in South and Central Asia.

Recent studies reveal that monsoon-driven shifts in precipitation timing and intensity, especially in the Himalayas, are accelerating glacier melting by reducing snow accumulation and increasing rainfall-induced melting.

The retreat of these glaciers threatens the region's water security, impacting agriculture, hydropower, and drinking water for millions.

Accelerated glacier melting increases the risk of glacial lake outburst floods, landslides, and river flooding, posing immediate threats to communities and infrastructure in mountain regions.

Alterations in monsoon patterns threaten to shift river sources from glacier melt to rainfall, which could lead to downstream droughts and jeopardize water security for millions.

Satellite data from NASA's GRACE mission and hydrological records show that glacier loss correlates with increased rainfall in some regions and decreased snowfall in others, with retreat cycles occurring every 3 to 8 years aligned with monsoon variability.

Experts emphasize the urgent need for enhanced climate monitoring systems to better predict future changes in glacier health and develop effective adaptation strategies.