National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology

Zero Waste Hour for the Month of June 2026

The NCHM headquarters, regional offices and stations across the country observed Zero Waste Hour for the month on 2nd June 2026 by cleaning office spaces and its surroundings, hydro-met observation stations and instruments.

"My Waste, My Responsibility"

Thank you all for supporting zero waste

2 June2026

On this auspicious Coronation Day of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the NCHM family offers our humble prayers for His Majesty’s good health and long life.

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Awareness program on GLOF/Rainstorm flood risk and Early warning system along the Mangde Chhu basin.

𝗕𝘂𝗺𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗟𝗢𝗙 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗸, 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁

Glacier melt and the expansion of glacial lakes are increasing the risk of sudden flood events in Bhutan. The Chamkhar Chhu in Bumthang is among the rivers facing this threat, putting communities along its banks at risk. As climate change accelerates glacier retreat, the need for public awareness and disaster preparedness has become more urgent. To help communities better understand these risks, the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM) recently conducted a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood, or GLOF, awareness programme in Bumthang.

https://www.bbs.bt/242658/

The National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM) successfully conducted a three-day "Consultation Workshop for Finalization of Guidelines, SOPs, and Familiarization on Quality Management System (QMS)" from 21st to 23rd May 2026 at NCHM, Thimphu, with support from the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) Project.

The workshop brought together technicians from hydrometeorological stations across Bhutan along with officials from various divisions of NCHM.

The program focused on strengthening consistency, accuracy, and efficiency in hydrometeorological observations, forecasting services, disaster preparedness, and operational practices.

Throughout the workshop, participants reviewed and provided valuable feedback on key manuals, guidelines, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to hydrological and meteorological observations.

2026 Summer Glacier Mass Balance Measurement – Shodug Glacier

The Cryosphere Services Division (CSD) of the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM), in partnership with ICIMOD, successfully completed the 2026 summer mass balance measurement of Shodug Glacier from 8–22 May 2026. The fieldwork was led by Dr. Sonam Wangchuk, Cryosphere Specialist from ICIMOD.

Shodug is a clean-type glacier located in the headwaters of the Thim Chhu basin at elevations between 4,900 and 5,200 m a.s.l. NCHM began monitoring Shodug Glacier as a benchmark glacier in spring 2022.
During the 2026 summer field campaign, the technical team carried out the following activities:
- Annual glacier mass balance assessment using the geodetic method (dGPS)
- Installation of bamboo stakes for the glaciological method
- Snow depth measurements

Shodug Glacier was formally adopted by NCHM and ICIMOD in 2025 as a partnership glacier for joint long-term monitoring and research. Mass balance observations are conducted annually to evaluate glacier response over the glacio-hydrological year and to strengthen understanding of glacier–climate interactions in Bhutan.

🌦️ Twelfth National Climate Outlook Forum (NCOF‑12)
📍 Thimphu | 🗓️ 25 May 2026

The National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM) convened the Twelfth Session of the National Climate Outlook Forum (NCOF‑12) in Thimphu on 25 May 2026 to share knowledge on climate services and present Bhutan’s Summer Monsoon Outlook (June–September 2026).

As in previous sessions, a representative from the College for astrology.Pangrizampa provided the traditional perspective. For this session, Lopen Dorji presented the outlook for precipitation and temperature, both for the year as a whole and specifically for the summer monsoon.

The Director General of NCHM and Lopen Dorji jointly released the Summer Monsoon Outlook of Bhutan 2026 in both English and Dzongkha.

You can also find the report on the NCHM website using the link provided below.
https://www.nchm.gov.bt/attachment/ckfinder/userfiles/files/Summer%20monsoon%20outlook%202026.pdf

The forum was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from:

● Government agencies: DoECC, DoE, DoW, DoAT, DoID, DoA, DoLGDM, NBC, BCTA
● Academia & Corporations: CNR, DGPC, BPSO. BEA
● Dzongkhag disaster focal persons from Gasa, Wangdue, Punakha, and Haa
● Non‑governmental organizations: BTFEC, Tarayana Foundation, Bhutan Red Cross Society
● National media representatives

NCHM also presented highlights from its newly launched reports during the forum.

State of the Climate Report of Bhutan, 2025
https://www.nchm.gov.bt/attachment/ckfinder/userfiles/files/State%20of%20Climate%202025-Final.pdf

Climate Atlas of Bhutan (1996–2025)
https://www.nchm.gov.bt/attachment/ckfinder/userfiles/files/Climate%20Atlas%20of%20Bhutan%20(1996-%202025)_Climatology%20of%20Temperature%20and%20Rainfall.pdf

This year’s session was supported by the SOFF Project implemented by the Centre.

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As we mark the 96th Birth Anniversary of Her Majesty Gyalyum Kesang Choeden Wangchuck, our beloved Royal Grandmother, the entire nation is united in warmth and gratitude. May Her Majesty be blessed with joy and good health on this special day and always.