KATHMANDU: Temperature has risen in various places of the country due to the prevailing long drought conditions.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology says the country did not receive adequate rainfall this year in the absence of the westerly wind.

The mercury today shot up to 32.7 degree celsius in Kathmandu valley, 40.5 degree celsius in Dipayal, 40.7 degree celsius in Dhangadhi and 40.8 degree celsius in Nepalgunj. The Department said only one-third rainfall compared to the corresponding period last year occurred throughout the country including the Kathmandu Valley in April.A study and analysis of the prevailing weather conditions of the country points that there is no possibility of regular or large amount of rainfall occurring immediately.

The Department said Simara received 2.7 mm of rain, Jiri 1.8 mm and Kathmandu Valley traces of rainfall with thunderstorm on May 1. It has forecast that the eastern hilly region will receive rainfall with thunderstorm in the next 24 hours.