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Clear skies, calm breezes and a breathtaking view of Himalayan peaks covered in white powder - this describes the autumn experience that hikers on Mount Everest have grown to adore.

But that appears to be changing.

Shifting Weather Patterns

Climate scientists say the rainy season now stretches into fall, which is historically the mountain tourism period.

Throughout this delayed conclusion of the rainy season, they have observed at least one instance of extreme rainfall nearly every year for the past ten years, with high-altitude weather becoming more dangerous.

Recent Emergency on Everest

Recently, a sudden snowstorm trapped several hundred of tourists near the east-facing face of Everest for multiple days in bitterly cold conditions at an altitude of more than 4,900m.

Approximately 600 trekkers were guided to safety by the conclusion of that week, according to sources.

A single individual had succumbed from extreme cold and mountain sickness, but the remaining individuals were said to be in stable condition.

Similar Incidents Across the Region

This was on the Tibetan side but a comparable situation had occurred on the Nepal side, where a Korean climber died on another Himalayan summit.

The international community found out much later because communication lines were disrupted by heavy downpours and heavy snowfall.

Authorities estimate that landslides and sudden floods in the region have claimed the lives of approximately sixty individuals over the previous week.

"This is highly unusual for October when we expect the weather to remain clear," stated Riten Jangbu Sherpa.

Economic Impact

Given this is the preferred season, regular extreme weather events like this have "hampered our mountaineering and climbing business," he continued.

The rainy period in northern India and the Himalayan nation typically lasts from June to mid-September, but not anymore.

"Research shows that the majority of the years in the previous ten years have had monsoons continuing until the second week of October, which is certainly a shift," said a high-ranking weather official.

Growing Climate Severity

More concerning is the intense precipitation and snowfall the concluding phase of the season produces, like it did recently on 4 and 5 October.

High in the mountain range, such extreme weather translates to blizzards and winter storms, which constitutes a huge risk for hiking, mountaineering and the travel industry.

Personal Accounts

That's what happened last weekend when the weather shifted very abruptly - the winds began roaring, mercury readings dropped sharply and sightlines dropped significantly.

The path that had easily brought the trekkers to what should have been a stunning resting point was now covered in white accumulation and impossible to traverse.

Still, one hiker, who had climbed these mountains more than a dozen times, reported he had "not once experienced weather like these" before.

Expert Analysis

A primary big factor is the higher quantity of moisture in the atmosphere because of how the planet has been warming, scientists explain.

That has led to heavy precipitation over a short span of time, often after a extended period without rain – unlike in the previous era when monsoon showers were spread uniformly over the entire season.

A Turbocharged Monsoon

Climate specialists report the rainy seasons in the region at times seem to have become stronger because they are more frequently coming into contact with another weather system, the western weather pattern.

This is a atmospheric depression that originates in the Mediterranean area and travels eastward - it carries cold air that causes rains and occasionally snowfall to the subcontinent, neighboring countries and the Himalayan region.

Global Warming Impacts

Researchers have additionally discovered that in a heating world, the increasing relationship between western weather systems and monsoons is causing another unusual outcome.

The hotter atmosphere is forcing the weather systems to greater altitudes, which means these atmospheric conditions are now capable to cross the Himalayas and affect Tibet and other regions that did not see so much rain in the past.

"What's changed is the predictability of weather patterns; we cannot presume that conditions will behave the same from season to season," said an seasoned expedition leader.

"That means flexible scheduling, real-time decision-making, and knowledgeable leadership [in the Himalayas] have become even more crucial."