Nepal Weather: Cold Temperatures Rise as Summer Approaches

While the Kathmandu Valley and various parts of Nepal had started experiencing increasing warmth, temperatures have unexpectedly dropped at the end of the month of Chaitra, requiring warmer clothing. According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, on Wednesday, the minimum temperature in Kathmandu fell to 10.4 degrees Celsius. Records show that one month earlier, on Falgun 25, Kathmandu’s minimum temperature was 15 degrees Celsius. Typically, cold weather persists in Nepal until mid-Falgun. However, meteorologists attribute the recent cold spell and precipitation to the influence of western winds.

Meteorologist Akash Khanal from the Department explained that the western wind system has brought cold weather and rainfall to Nepal. “Clouds have been present since yesterday, so the absence of direct sunlight naturally leads to a chill. Additionally, the western winds have brought moist and cold air,” he said. “The cold air has lowered temperatures, resulting in a cold sensation.” According to the department, rainfall began in parts of Gandaki Province starting Tuesday. Following light to moderate rainfall on Wednesday in areas including the capital Kathmandu and much of Bagmati, Madhesh, and Koshi provinces, the influence of the western winds is expected to diminish.

The meteorological department anticipates that clouds will clear from Thursday morning, allowing sunlight to return. “Clouds are expected to clear by tomorrow morning, after which the weather should generally be sunny. We continue to monitor the situation closely,” said Khanal. Meteorologist Puja Lamichhane noted that this cold spell is not part of a long-lasting weather system and will soon subside. “The cold sensation is solely due to the western winds bringing cold air,” she confirmed. “The cold temperatures will persist only as long as the western winds remain active.”

The air system coming from the west, known as the westerlies, typically brings moisture and rainfall after the monsoon season. Experts explain that this air flow originates from the Arabian Sea and enters Nepal during winter months, carrying humidity. Before reaching Nepal, it travels through Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. The westerly air currents move at high speeds. Due to South Asia’s geographic features and mountainous terrain, the velocity of these winds increases further, meteorologists report. During winter, the westerlies frequently cause rainfall in Nepal. As they pass over the Himalayan region, they also bring cold temperatures, meteorologist Khanal explained.