Kathmandu, Jan 30: The Department of Water and Meteorology’s weather forecast division has indicated the likelihood of light rain and snow in various parts of the country tonight, attributing it to the influence of the western wind. The maximum temperature in the Kathmandu Valley is predicted to reach 17.5 degrees Celsius today, with an expected drop to below 3.5 degrees Celsius tonight.

Meteorologist Ganga Nagarkoti of the division noted that the weather in the hilly areas, including the federal capital Kathmandu Valley, is generally clear with partial changes. There is a potential for light rain in selected locations in Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Karnali, and the hilly areas of Sudurpaschim Province. Additionally, there is a possibility of light snowfall in one or two places in the high hills and Himalayan regions of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Karnali.

Tonight, there is an expected chance of light snowfall in the hilly areas of the Koshi region. Light rain is also a possibility in some hilly areas of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Karnali. Furthermore, light snowfall is anticipated in certain high hills and Himalayan areas of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Karnali.

Currently, the country is experiencing a partial influence of western winds. Nagarkoti explained that the western wind, which typically brings winter rain and snow, has been relatively weak this year, resulting in minimal precipitation. She stated, “It is due to the influence of the western wind that brings rain to the snow. This year, even though the influence of the western wind came, it was not able to bring rain even though it was a weak type.”

The meteorologist projected that the western part of the country could experience rain in the next few days due to the influence of the western wind. However, the intensity of the westerly winds is expected to diminish as they progress towards the eastern part of the country.

Looking ahead, there is a possibility of light rain in several locations in Karnali and Sudurpaschim Province on January 17. Additionally, light to moderate snowfall is anticipated in a few places in the hilly areas of Karnali and Sudurpaschim. On Tuesday, January 18, the forecast indicates the likelihood of light rain in selected locations in Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, Sudurpaschim provinces, as well as one or two places in other hilly areas. There is also a potential for light rain in certain areas of Gandaki, Karnali, and the high hilly and Himalayan regions of Sudurpaschim Province.