KATHMANDU: Due to the influence of Western disturbance- a system of low pressure- people across the country have been experiencing increased chill for the past few days, including Kathmandu Valley.

According to the Meteorological Forecasting Division, the minimum temperature today in the valley has dipped to 8 degrees Celsius with traces of rainfall in the last 24 hours, while the maximum temperature is forecasted at 16.2 degrees Celsius.

Last year, the division recorded the minimum temperature at 4.6 degrees Celsius and maximum at 19.2 degrees celsius in Kathmandu valley on December 13.

Today, the temperature in Jumla has plummeted to 0.9 degrees Celsius, while Dadeldhura recorded a minimum temperature of 3.5 degrees Celsius.

It is expected that the mercury will dip further in the coming days as winter advances.

According to the Division, the sky throughout the country would remain generally to mostly cloudy with light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning at some places in the western region. Some places in eastern and central regions are also likely to experience light rain.

The sky will be cloudy with light snowfall and rain in some places throughout the country tonight.

The MFD says there are chances of heavy snowfall in the western high mountainous region and sporadic brief rain in some places of the central and eastern regions for the coming two days.

The division has issued an advisory for the public to take precautions while traversing, especially in western high mountainous regions for the next 24 hours.

Flights in the western high mountainous regions have been cancelled due to the heavy snowfall and fog. The flights from Nepalgunj Airport to Simikot and Talcha Airport in Mugu and return flights have been cancelled since Thursday.