Bhutan has been experiencing a steady rise in average temperature, with a 0.2 degrees Celsius increase annually since 2018. This is according to the National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM). With temperatures continuing to rise, the centre projects that by 2040, the country’s average temperature will rise by more than 1 degree Celsius.
According to the NCHM, Bhutan has been warming since the 1960s. However, the rate of warming has accelerated in the past three decades. Last year recorded the highest annual average temperature in the past three decades, with the average hitting 17.2 degrees Celsius. Bhutan’s normal average temperature is 16.3 degrees Celsius.
In May last year, Gelephu recorded the highest temperature in the country, reaching 40 degrees Celsius.
The centre says the temperatures in the country tend to peak in May.
“Globally, 2024 has been observed as one of the warmest years on record, and Bhutan is no exception. For example, in the southern part of Bhutan, including Phuentshogling, Gelephu, and Sipsu, we recorded temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius in most stations. These numbers show that warming events are occurring and starting to have an impact on us as well,” said Ugyen Chophel, Dy. Chief, National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology.
The NCHM forecasts that Bhutan’s average temperature will continue to rise toward the end of the century.
With the centre projecting a rise of over one degree by 2040, northern districts in the country are particularly expected to experience hotter temperatures over the next 15 years or so.
In summer, the temperature in places like Thimphu, Bumthang, Wangdue Phodrang, Gasa, Haa and Lhuentse is likely to increase by up to 1.4 degrees Celsius by 2040.
Meanwhile, in warmer districts such as Samtse, Chhukha, Dagana, Sarpang, Tsirang, Zhemgang, Pema Gatshel and Samdrup Jongkhar, the average summer temperature is expected to rise by 1 degree Celsius, increasing the risks of heat waves.
The centre attributes the rise in temperatures to greenhouse gas emissions and socioeconomic development.
The report also shows that winter temperature follows the same pattern as summer, meaning the winters will also get warmer.
“Because temperatures are rising, even if precipitation increases, we won’t see much accumulation of snow in mid-altitude areas such as Paro, Thimphu, and Haa. In these areas, we expect less snowfall, despite increased rainfall,” said Ugyen Chophel, Dy. Chief, National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology.
Meanwhile, people are noticing the warmer winter this year, raising concerns about the impacts of climate change.
“In previous years, we would experience snowfall in December and January, but this year, even in February, there is no sign of snowfall,” said Sonam Tshering, a resident of Thimphu.
“The significant impacts of rising temperatures include rapid glacier melt, reduced water availability for hydropower and agriculture, and an increase in forest fires,” said Jetshun Utah Palma Tobgay, another resident.
The National Biodiversity Centre also reported that species are shifting their habitat in response to the changing environment caused by rising temperatures.
“It is getting warmer, and as a result, the habitats for both plants and animals are changing. This is causing species to shift. For example, species from lower altitudes are moving to higher altitudes. If this continues, some species will go extinct,” said Kezang Tobgay, Biodiversity Officer, National Biodiversity Centre.
From warmer winters and the shifting of species to the increasing risk of heat waves, the country is witnessing the effects of climate change.
It is clear that urgent action is needed to mitigate these impacts and adapt to the changing climate.
Pema Gyelmo & Tika Maya Subba
Edited by Sangay Chezom
