KATHMANDU, APRIL 25
Nepal's western Terai continued to swelter under heatwave conditions on Saturday, with the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology maintaining its heat advisory and warning that maximum temperatures in parts of Lumbini and Sudurpashchim Provinces could remain at or above 40 degrees Celsius over the next three days.
The department's Heatwave Bulletin No. 2, issued Friday evening, placed Kanchanpur, Kailali, Doti, Bardiya, Banke and Surkhet on orange alert - the higher of two warning levels - urging residents to be prepared for moderate heatwave conditions. A second tier of yellow alert covering Dadeldhura, Achham, Dailekh, Salyan, Rolpa, Pyuthan, Dang, Kapilvastu, Rupandehi, Arghakhanchi, Palpa and Parasi advised residents to remain updated on the situation. Hot day conditions have also been observed across the Terai of Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpashchim Provinces as well as in some valleys.
Among Saturday's city forecasts, Dhangadi and Nepalgunj are expected to record the highest temperatures at between 39 and 41 degrees Celsius, followed by Dipayal at 37 to 39 degrees, Bhairahawa at 38 to 40 degrees, Ghorahi at 35 to 37 degrees, Janakpur and Simara at 36 to 38 degrees, and Birendranagar at 36 to 38 degrees.
Dadeldhura is forecast to see hot day conditions at 28 to 30 degrees. The department noted that some relief may come early next week, when rainfall activity expected in parts of Madhesh, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces is likely to cause a slight decrease in temperatures and improve air quality and haze conditions.
While the plains bake, a contrasting picture is unfolding across the hills and mountains. The Himalayan and Hilly regions of the country, including Koshi Province, are generally cloudy on Saturday, with moderate rainfall and thunderstorms expected at some places across the Himalayan and Hilly regions of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces, as well as in parts of Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpashchim Provinces.
Light rain and thunderstorms are also possible in the Terai regions of Madhesh, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces. Pokhara, Jiri, Taplejung, Jomsom, Okhaldhunga, Dhankuta and Biratnagar are all forecast to see moderate rain with thundershowers, with rainfall probabilities of 30 to 40 percent.
Kathmandu is expected to see light rain and thunderstorms with a 30 percent probability, and daytime temperatures between 29 and 31 degrees.
Overnight, generally cloudy conditions are forecast for the Himalayan region, with the possibility of light rain or snowfall at a few places in the Himalayan regions of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Karnali Provinces. The Hilly and Terai regions are expected to be partly cloudy.
The department warned that prolonged exposure to heatwave conditions can cause fatigue, excessive thirst, headaches, dizziness, leg cramps, fainting and muscle pain. It advised the public to stay indoors or in cool places during peak heat hours, avoid unnecessary sun exposure, wear light and loose cotton clothing, cover the head when going outside, and drink water and fluids regularly. Those experiencing health problems are advised to consult health workers promptly.
Nepal is currently under the partial influence of western and local winds, the department said.