Tarai's stunning weather: Scorching heat in winter

By Vijay Kumar Sah,Dhanusha, Dec. 17: While mornings, evenings and nights in the Tarai districts, including Dhanusha, remain chilly, the daytime sees scorching sun. Environmental experts attribute this anomaly to climate imbalance.

In the past, the onset of Mangsir (mid-November/December) used to bring thick fog and intense cold, disrupting daily activities. This year, however, even in Poush (mid-December/January), such conditions have not prevailed. During the day, people are seen in light clothing instead of heavy winter garments.

Ramudgar Mahato, 60, of Mithila Municipality-6, Dhalkeber, remarked on the significant changes in weather patterns. "Winters used to be much colder," he recalled. "Until a few years ago, Mangsir, Poush and Magh were marked by extreme cold and thick fog. We needed heavy warm clothing and the cold often kept us from working in the fields. But now, even in Poush, I am fine in regular clothes."

Environmental experts believe that erratic weather patterns are the consequence of climate change. Irregular rainfall, excessive precipitation over a short period, mild winters and unusually high temperatures are all attributed to global climate shifts. These effects are not confined to Nepal, the entire world is grappling with the consequences of climate change.

Suresh Sharma, an environmental conservation activist and an official at the Madhes Province Forest Directorate, noted that the average annual temperature in the Tarai has been rising by 0.09 degrees Celsius. 

He attributes this to industrial development and human activities disrupting the natural environment. "Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing greenery are the only solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change," he stressed.

Impact of climate change

Recalling past winters, Sharma said, "A few years ago, the cold would become severe by the end of Kartik (October–November). We needed thick sweaters and jackets to stay warm and sometimes even that was not enough, so we had to sit by a fire. Now, the cold feels mild and the difference is noticeable."

Dev Narayan Mandal, President of the Mithila Wildlife Trust in Dhanusha, highlighted the widespread effects of 

climate change, not just on the weather but on all aspects of the environment. He described climate change as a pressing global issue.

"Unchecked environmental destruction has increased greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere, causing severe impacts on Earth. 

In our pursuit of short-term benefits, we are jeopardising the future of our descendants," Mandal cautioned.

"This does not mean halting infrastructure development in the name of environmental conservation, but development should not come at the cost of environmental destruction," he added.