KATHMANDU, JANUARY 28
Kathmandu Valley experienced its coldest morning of the year, with temperatures plunging to a bone-chilling 2.1°C according to the latest readings from the Meteorological Forecast Division at 8:45 am on Sunday. This marks the lowest recorded temperature in the valley so far this year, while Jumla recorded an even colder -4.9°C during the same time frame.
As the chill sets in Kathmandu Valley, thick fog has enveloped the Tarai region, significantly reducing visibility. The dense fog shrouding the majority of Tarai belt is expected to dissipate by afternoon as per the MFD, but for now, it's causing visibility to plummet to as low as 50 meters in Bhairahawa, followed by Dhangadi and Simara with 100 meters of visibility each and Nepalgunj, with 200 meters of visibility.
The Meteorological Forecasting Division (MFD) has urged caution on the impacts of fog on daily life, health, and transportation networks, both on roads and in the air, particularly, its effect on air travel, as flights from Tarai region airports are significantly disrupted. The fog-induced reduction in visibility falls far below the required threshold of 1300 meters for safe air travel, prompting delays and cancellations, inconveniencing travelers and disrupting schedules.
Across the country, the skies are mostly cloudy, with some areas experiencing partly to generally cloudy conditions, especially in the high hilly and mountainous regions of Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces.
As night falls, the clouds will persist, particularly in the hilly areas of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Karnali provinces, while the rest of the country will see partly cloudy to mainly clear skies. Additionally, there's a chance of light snowfall in isolated spots of the high hilly and mountainous regions of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Karnali provinces.
Presently, the country is under the influence of western winds, contributing to the prevailing weather patterns.
