KATHMANDU, Dec 19: Cold has increased throughout the country including in Kathmandu valley due to the influence of the Westerly wind.

The lowest temperature of the year so far was recorded in Kathmandu today. The minimum temperature in Kathmandu valley on Wednesday was 3.5 degrees Celsius. Extreme cold has been felt in Kathmandu with the drop in mercury.

The Meteorological Forecasting Division said the trend of decrease in temperature has started across the country due to the influence of the Westerly. Meteorologist Ganga Nagarkoti said the mercury rises in the day if cloudy condition prevailed in the night and vice versa. Cold spell has intensified in the districts of the West Tarai as well.

Life has been affected by fog and haze resulting from the increasing cold in Kailali, Kanchanpur, Banke, Bardiya, Dang, Kapilbastu, Rupandehi, Nawalpur among other districts in West Tarai. Doctors have urged people to take special precautions as mostly the elderly people and children are affected by the cold.

The Division, issuing warning and advice for the next 24 hours, stated that although the weather has gradually been improving today compared to yesterday in the Tarai areas, the weather will still remain cold due to drop in mercury because of lesser sunshine in the day time.

Therefore, it has urged people to remain safe from the cold. Today's maximum temperature in the Kathmandu Valley was recorded at 17.9 degree Celsius, according to the Division. Likewise, Jumla recorded a lowest temperature of 4.5 degree Celsius, and Nepalgunj highest temperature of 10.0 degree Celsius.

 
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