Nepal’s wet, icy winter

Trans-Himalayan districts of Humla and Jumla as well as East Rukum in Karnali Province have been snowed in since Thursday night as yet another westerly storm system moved into Nepal.

Kathmandu witnessed a rare winter thunderstorm, there had been 15mm of rain by noon on Friday with more wet weather on the way. The mountains on the valley rim have also got snow.

Highways have closed due to heavy snow, and flights to many mountain districts have been cancelled. 

Darchula, Dadeldhura, Bajhang, Bajura and Doti districts in the far west also have been similarly affected. The Bhimdatta Highway which connects the seven districts in Sudur Paschim Province has also been obstructed, further impacting the movement of people in the region.

The westerly system is bringing in moist warm air that is moving up the Himalaya and meeting the frigid air, creating storm cells. Kathmandu Valley experienced wind gusting up to 35 knots on Friday morning with driving rain. The maximum temperature on Friday is only 8.8°Celsius.

The system is expected to bring more precipitation over central and eastern Nepal, but the sun will start shining again on Sunday. 

Nepali Times weekend weather