KATHMANDU, JUNE 5
A prolonged heatwave is sweeping across Nepal's southern plains, with the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) warning that temperatures could exceed 38 degrees Celsius in several Tarai districts over the next three days.
In a special bulletin issued on Thursday, the DHM said moderate heatwave conditions are likely to persist in parts of Madhesh and Lumbini provinces, while widespread hot-day conditions are expected across the Tarai regions of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Sudurpashchim provinces.
The weather office noted that temperatures of 37 degrees Celsius or above have been recorded in several Tarai districts since June 2, with some areas of Lumbini Province already crossing the 39-degree mark. Forecasts indicate temperatures will remain above 38 degrees Celsius in many lowland areas in the coming days.
Districts including Parsa, Bara, Rautahat, Sarlahi, Mahottari, Dhanusha, Siraha, Saptari, Banke, Bardiya, Dang, Kapilvastu, Rupandehi and Nawalparasi (West) have been placed under an orange-level alert, while Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Chitwan, Kailali, Kanchanpur and Nawalparasi (East) remain under a yellow alert.
The DHM has urged people to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, remain hydrated, wear light clothing and take precautions against heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, fatigue, dizziness and heatstroke.
Despite chances of rainfall and thunderstorms in hilly and mountainous regions on Friday, heatwave conditions are expected to continue across parts of the Tarai. Nepalgunj is forecast to record temperatures of up to 41 degrees Celsius, while Janakpur and Simara are also likely to experience heatwave conditions. Other Tarai cities, including Dhangadi, Bhairahawa and Biratnagar, are expected to endure intense heat.