Rain may linger in valley for two more days

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, May 3: The Meteorological Forecasting Division (MFD) has said that the current weather disturbance is caused by the Westerly as well as local winds.

The MFD, under the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, said that there is still a possibility of light to moderate rainfall with thunder and lightning in some parts of the hilly areas of the country for two more days.

According to Binu Maharjan, a senior meteorologist at the MFD, there will be similar activities for another two days in Kathmandu. “This is pre-monsoon activity and light to moderate showers with lightning and thunderstorms are a natural phenomenon,” she said. 

A small local system continues to develop across the country during this pre-monsoon season, she added.

On Monday, the highest rainfall was recorded in Dhangadhi at 56 mm, followed by Dadeldhura (44.8 mm), 

Dipayal (36 mm), and Kathmandu (2.8 mm). The highest temperature during the period was measured at 30 

degrees Celsius in Dipayal, Janakpur and Simara. 

According to Pushkar Bhandari, our Dadeldhura correspondent, the district has been receiving regular rainfall for the past three days and people started feeling cold. The district received around 45 mm of rainfall in 24 hours.  

According to the data provided by the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Climate Field Office in the district headquarters Khalanga, the district received 44.8 mm rainfall in the last 24 hours from 8:45 am on Monday to 8:45 am on Tuesday. The district was engulfed by fog on Tuesday.

After continuous rains, the maximum temperature of the hilly district has also decreased. Now the maximum temperature of the district is 17 degrees Celsius while the minimum temperature has dropped to 9.5 degree Celsius. The highest temperature reached 30 degrees Celsius in March.

Due to the cold weather, the wheat and barley crops planted in the hilly areas have not ripened. Even when it was time to sow corn, the wheat has not ripened yet. 

Local Jaya Bahadur Bhat said that the ripening of wheat and barley was delayed due to continuous rainfall and cold. But there was neither rain nor snow in the winter season. He said that even Kafal (bayberry) fruit, which ripens in the months of April and May, has not ripened this year.

According to Shyam Sunar, Chief of the Meteorological Field Office, Dadeldhura, the rainfall will continue till next Wednesday, but it is expected to decrease from Tuesday evening. 

Thunderstorms, light to moderate rain with lightning in some places of Sudhurpaschim, Karnali and Koshi Provinces, and light or temporary rain with thunder and lightning in a few places of the rest of the provinces is predicted for another 24 hours.

As it seems that tourism, sports and other sectors may be affected, it is requested to take necessary precautions.