Partial rain likely in high hills of three provinces
There is a partial impact of the westerly wind in the country at present, resulting in light rain in the high hills and mountainous areas in Gandaki, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces in the afternoon today.
According to the Weather Forecasting Division of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, the high hills in Gandaki, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces will remain partly cloudy and receive rain.
The mountainous belt of these provinces will receive snowfall as well.
Furthermore, some places in Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces are likely to receive light rain along with thunder.
The same patterns of weather systems are predicted for this evening as well in the provinces, the Division stated.
Jumla temperature drops to minus 0.71 degree Celsius, affects life
Increased cold following a snowfall in Jumla has disrupted normal life.
The temperature in the district, part of Karnali Province, has dropped to minus 0.71 degrees Celsius.
As water froze with extreme cold, the water pipes started cracking.
The disruption of water supplies has added woes to the local residents. “It is biting cold, paralyzing daily life in Jumla,” said Sunita Budha of Chandannath Municipality. Along with Jumla, cold waves have gripped Mugu, Humla, and Dolpa districts of the upper Karnali.
According to Asham Pura Karki, Chief of the Jumla Office of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, the cold has increased significantly following the recent snowfall. The temperature dropped below zero, wreaking hostility to daily life particularly during mornings and evenings/nights.
Irrespective of the adversity, farmers have warmly welcomed the snowfall that occurred after a drought for months.
It is the first snowfall of the season. Local resident Lanka Budha of Tila Rural Municipality–1 said the snowfall was beneficial for winter crops: it helps retain soil moisture and supports plant growth. Jumla’s hills are now blanketed with snow.
The Agriculture Development Office, Jumla also stated that the snowfall is essential for winter crops like wheat, barley and potatoes to thrive.
Meanwhile, air services that had been disrupted due to snowfall resumed on Sunday, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal Office, Jumla.
Fire at Mahashakti Soap Factory destroys property worth around Rs 100 million
Property worth around Rs 100 million was destroyed when a fire broke out at the warehouse of Mahashakti Soap Factory in the industrial zone of Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City-8.
The reason behind the fire was an electric short circuit, according to factory manager Prakash Budhathoki.
"It is currently impossible to assess the full extent of the damage," he stated. "A proper evaluation can only be conducted after checking the inventory; everything has been reduced to ashes." In light of this, it is estimated that the damage could amount to approximately 100–120 million," he added.
Manager Budhathoki noted that when the fire broke out suddenly at midnight, attempts were made to extinguish it by promptly notifying security agencies, but the flames could not be controlled right away, resulting in more extensive damage.
Following the outbreak of the fire, two fire engines from Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City, along with a joint team of the Nepal Police and Armed Police, along with local efforts, were able to bring the fire under control shortly, thereafter, reported Pushkar Bogati, spokesperson for the Makwanpur District Police Office.
Chance of light rain in Himalayan regions; fog likely in Tarai
The country is experiencing the effects of a low-pressure system at present.
The Meteorology Forecast Division of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology indicates that this afternoon, the high hill and Himalayan areas will be predominantly cloudy, while other regions will see partial cloud cover.
There is a chance of light snowfall and rain in certain locations within the high hill and Himalayan regions of Koshi, Gandaki, and Karnali Provinces, as well as in a few other high hill and Himalayan areas.
Additionally, some sections of the eastern and central Tarai region may experience fog in the morning.
Tonight, the weather will remain partly cloudy in various parts of the hilly and Himalayan regions, including Sudurpashchim Province.
The rest of the areas are expected to be mostly clear. The division has also noted the potential for light snowfall and rain in select locations of the high hill and Himalayan regions of Koshi and Gandaki Provinces.
