Weather no obstacle to polls: Forecast

Published On: December 6, 2017 05:15 AM NPT By: Republica  | @RepublicaNepal


Slight possibility of rain during elections in western parts


KATHMANDU, Dec 6: During the parliamentary and provincial elections on Thursday, voters can leave home without having to worry about the bad weather as rainfall is unlikely in the country, according to the Meteorological Forecasting Division (MFD).

Light rainfall was recorded in some districts of the western region on Tuesday.  Dadeldhura, Dipayal, Dhangadhi, Birendranagar, Nepalgunj and Jumla saw traces of rain. Areas of western, mid-western and far-western  Nepal could see heavy clouds on Wednesday and this could result in a slight dip in temperatures. 

However, MFD said rainfall is  not likely for  the rest of the week, with only a slight possibility of light rain   Thursday, the day of the elections.

The light rainfall on Tuesday was triggered by cyclone Ockhi in the Arabian Sea, which is currently  impacting India. “The force of the cyclone has already diminished and it should be down to traces by Wednesday,” informed Raju Pradhannanga, senior meteorologist at  MFD.

“Ockhi will bring light to moderate snowfall in the high Himalayas and cloud formations in the lower hills of the western, mid-western and far-western regions. There should not be other consequences from the cyclone,” he added.

Apart from minor changes in weather in the western parts, the weather in Provinces 1, 2 and 3 was clear on Tuesday. This should continue on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday as well, meteorologists informed.

Likewise, cloudy skies in Provinces 4, 5, 6 and 7 should clear by Thursday and Friday. This means the weather should not hamper the elections and the transfer of ballot boxes to district headquarters after the polling.

Following the first phase  parliamentary and provincial elections, the second phase polls are slated for November 7.


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