Heavy snowfall disrupts life in western and central Nepal
Photo: RSS
Kathmandu – Heavy snowfall in high-altitude areas of western and central Nepal has been reported since Tuesday night, with daily life having been disrupted in multiple districts due to blocked roads, plunging temperatures, and restricted movement. At the same time, much-needed moisture has been added to farmlands, and relief has been expressed by farmers cultivating winter crops.
Snowfall, along with rainfall in some locations, has been witnessed across the hill and mountain belts of Sudurpaschim, Karnali, and Gandaki provinces. Transportation services have been affected after mountain routes were obstructed, while routine activities have been slowed as cold conditions intensified.
Snowfall Reported in Baitadi’s Upper Belt
In Baitadi district, snowfall has been recorded in upper belt areas including Sigas, Khodpe, Anarkholi, and Dholyamod. A sharp drop in temperature has been reported by locals, with normal movement having been affected. However, the snowfall has been welcomed for crops such as wheat, as improved moisture conditions have been expected.
Roads Blocked in Humla and Neighbouring High-Altitude Areas
Widespread snowfall has been reported in Humla district and adjoining high-altitude regions. Roads in Limi, Nyalu, Yari, and Hilsa have been obstructed after snow accumulation was reported to have reached up to one foot, according to the District Police Office. Snowfall has also been confirmed in Mugu, Dolpa, Jumla, and Kalikot, with winter travel having been disrupted in multiple settlements.
Heavy Snowfall Recorded Across Bajura
In Bajura district, heavy snowfall has been recorded across several local units, including Badimalika, Budhiganga Triveni, Budhinanda, Himali, Khaptad Chhededaha, Gaumul, Swamikartik, and Jagannath rural municipalities. While daily movement has been affected, improved soil moisture has been anticipated for winter crops, according to officials of the Agriculture Knowledge Centre.
Mustang Movement Disrupted, Baglung Higher Elevations Covered
In Mustang district, movement along the Kagbeni–Korala roadway has been severely disrupted after snow was reported to have piled up to two feet in some sections. Local agriculture officials have stated that the snowfall is expected to benefit apple orchards and winter crops such as buckwheat, barley, and potatoes.
In Baglung district, snowfall has been reported in higher elevations including the Dhorpatan Valley and surrounding areas. Localities such as Nishikhola, Patihalne, Khanikhola, and Nisheldhor have been blanketed in snow, with mobility having been limited and tap water having been frozen in some areas due to severe cold.
Westerly Low-Pressure System Driving Weather Change
According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, the weather shift has been influenced by a westerly low-pressure system that entered western Nepal, bringing precipitation across the western and central regions.
Barun Paudel, Senior Meteorologist at the Meteorological Forecasting Division, has said that rainfall has begun in Baitadi, Darchula, and Chandhani–Dodhar, while snowfall has started in Dolpa and Humla. The system has been expected to move eastward, bringing additional rain and snowfall to western areas.
It has been stated that skies are likely to remain cloudy nationwide from Wednesday morning, while light to moderate rainfall has been forecast for the Kathmandu Valley. As the system shifts further east, Koshi and Madhesh provinces have been expected to be less affected as the weather system weakens.
