Normal life affected as mercury dips across nation

KATHMANDU: Cold wave has gripped the country after the westerly wind over Afghanistan and Iran entered Nepal on Wednesday evening.

The weather has been cloudy with light rains and snowfall in the highlands and upper parts of the country, said the Meteorological Forecasting Division (MFD).

The highlands and mid-hill of the eastern region including the Kathmandu Valley have been overcast and are witnessing light rain and snowfall since Friday morning.

According to Manju Basi, a meteorologist, the rain amidst thunderstorm is forecast in the Kathmandu Valley.

Meanwhile, snowfall is occurring in, Bajhang, Bajura, Humla, Jumla, Dolpa and Mustang.

Local markets and schools in some areas in the district have remained closed due to biting cold.

The cold has forced the locals to stay indoors, said Prem Karki, a local.

Meanwhile, doctors have advised the elderly, women and children to put on warm clothes to protect themselves from the cold.

However, the snowfall has brought cheers to the farmers who depend on rain for agricultural farming. With the snowfall, the temperature has dipped to 6 degree Celsius in Bajura district.