KATHMANDU, April 9: Light rain occurred in the Kathmandu Valley on Wednesday afternoon, with expectations that the rain will reduce the high levels of air pollution that have increased across the nation.
According to meteorologist Govinda Jha from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, rainfall has been recorded in areas such as Kathmandu's Airport, Tinkune, Phulchoki, Chandragiri, Sallaghari in Bhaktapur, and Duwakot.
Since Wednesday morning, districts in the eastern Terai, including Jhapa and Morang, have also experienced rainfall accompanied by thunder, as reported by the Meteorological Forecasting Division.
Kathmandu tops global air pollution chart again
The division said that the current weather patterns are influenced by western winds, local winds, and moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal.
Meteorologist Jha indicated that the rain will continue until Thursday (tomorrow). "The rain that started this afternoon will last until Thursday evening," he said.
Although the rain will be active for a few more days nationwide, in Kathmandu, the effect is expected to last only one to two days.
In recent days, air pollution levels in the Kathmandu Valley had been high due to the lack of rain. Health issues such as eye irritation and headaches have been reported due to pollution.
Tonight, light rain with thunder and lightning, is expected in some areas of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces. The rain is expected to improve air quality in cities, including Kathmandu, which have been severely undermined by pollution.