Kathmandu, October 28

Meteorological Forecasting Division of Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has forecast snowfall in the high mountain areas and rainfall across the remaining parts of the country for the next two days. With this, mercury is likely to plummet further in Kathmandu Valley and other hilly areas.

According to the division, westerly trough on the upper parts of troposphere, which has brought about the disturbance will last for the next two days.

Meteorologist at the division Suvash Rimal said the westerly trough from the Mediterranean Sea arrived in Nepal yesterday, it would bring brief rainfall and snowfall in the high mountains.

“Since the trough is placed on the upper troposphere, it has blanketed the entire country since yesterday evening.” Meteorologist Rimal told The Himalayan Times, “This will create weather disturbances throughout the country for the next two days and cause mercury to plummet further in Kathmandu Valley and other areas.”

He said central and eastern parts were likely receive brief rainfall for the next two days. In high mountain areas, light to moderate snowfall is likely to take place. The maximum temperature has fallen sharply as clouds formed by the westerly wind continues to block the sun.

Meanwhile, Director General at DHM Rishi Ram Sharma said apart from local systems, there is no special system seen yet which might change Nepal’s winter pattern. He further added that winter precipitation also will remain normal.

Last month, South Asian Climate Outlook Forum (SASCOF-11) released Consensus Statement on the Forecast for the 2017 October to December (OND) Season Rainfall and Temperatures over South Asia.

The report said, “Below normal rainfall is most likely during October and December season over some parts of India, north Sri Lanka and some northeastern areas of the region.” Similarly, normal to slightly above normal temperatures are likely during the 2017 season, it said.

Generally after the monsoon season, October and November in Nepal are considered post-monsoon. Winter season starts in Nepal from December when the days are shorter and minimum temperature hits as below as zero degree Celsius.

Climatic conditions of Nepal vary from one place to another according to their geographical features. In the north, summers are cool and winters severe; while in the south, summers are tropical and winters are mild.