Mercury likely to plummet further in Valley, says MFD

Kathmandu, January 4

Kathmandu Valley witnessed the coldest day this winter with mercury plummeting to 1.5 degrees Celsius today.

According to Meteorological Forecasting Division, this is the lowest temperature recorded this winter and mercury is likely to plummet further in the days ahead.

Meteorologist Suvash Rimal said the sudden drop in temperature was due to the effect of north westerly wind and open sky. “Similar weather conditions will continue for the next few days and mercury is likely to plummet further.” Yesterday, Kathmandu Valley recorded a minimum temperature of 2.2 degrees Celsius.

According to MFD, the average normal minimum temperature of Valley for January is 2.4 degrees Celsius, but by mid-January Valley witnesses the coldest day of the year.

In Nepal, the months of December, January and February are considered as winter season when the country

receives an average rainfall of 13.2 mm, 14.4 mm and 18.7 mm respectively. But the Valley recorded only 0.1 mm rainfall in December.

Meanwhile, Jumla recorded the lowest temperature of minus 6.5 degrees Celsius today.  Likewise, Dipayal recorded a minimum temperature of 1.2 degrees Celsius, Dadeldhura 3.1, Dhangadi 9.5, Birendranagar 1.9, Nepalgunj 9.6, Dang 2.2, Pokhara 5.8, Bhairahawa 9.7, Simara 5, Okhaldhunga 6, Taplejung 3.7, Dhankuta 7.7 and Biratnagar 10.8 degrees Celsius.