KATHMANDU: The Meteorological Forecasting Division said Kathmandu witnessed temperature as low as 2.2 °C on Wednesday morning.

Cool breeze blowing from the snow capped mountains surrounding the valley contributed to the sharp decline in Kathmandu Valley's temperature.

However, the temperature is expected to rise to 18-20 °C in the afternoon.

Meanwhile, cold wave in Tarai districts of the southern plains of Nepal has been badly affecting daily lives, halting regular activities including closure of educational institutions.

The government has alerted citizens in the southern plains to keep themselves warm during the winter season.