Terai’s record heatwave shows no immediate signs of letting up

KATHMANDU: The western Terai region of Nepal has witnessed a record-breaking heatwave.

On Wednesday, Nepalgunj recorded a maximum temperature exceeding 44 degrees Celsius. This marks one of the highest temperatures recorded in recent years.

According to Kumar Rana, Deputy Meteorologist at the Field Office of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology at Ranjha Airport, the maximum temperature in Nepalgunj on Wednesday reached 44.2 degrees Celsius.

The reading was taken at 5:45 PM. On Tuesday, the maximum temperature recorded in Nepalgunj at 2:45 PM was 43.5 degrees Celsius.

Rana stated that the maximum temperature in Nepalgunj reached 42.8 degrees Celsius on Wednesday and 41.7 degrees Celsius on Tuesday.

The daily maximum temperature in Nepalgunj has been on the rise.

Previously, on May 20, 2019, Nepalgunj recorded a maximum temperature of 43.5 degrees Celsius, while in 2052 BS, it reached 45 degrees Celsius.

The extreme heat, coupled with hot daytime winds, has made daily life challenging for local residents in Nepalgunj and surrounding areas.

Workers who engage in outdoor labor are particularly affected, while there is also an increase in the number of people falling ill.

Due to the excessive heat, local authorities in Nepalgunj and neighboring areas have closed schools.

Medical professionals advise minimizing outdoor activities unless necessary, wearing protective clothing when outside, and increasing fluid intake to combat dehydration.

In Tikapur, Kailali, the highest temperature in 48 years was recorded at 45.2 degrees Celsius.

On Wednesday, Tikapur recorded a temperature of 43.5 degrees Celsius, marking the highest temperature recorded at the station since its establishment.

The previous record for June was set on June 14, 2012, when the temperature reached 45 degrees Celsius, making it the highest recorded temperature in Nepal.

According to senior meteorologist Varun Paudel from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology’s Bhairahawa office, hot winds from Rajasthan and Delhi regions in India are contributing to the heatwaves in Dhangadhi, Tikapur, and Nepalgunj.

Paudel stated that while there has been some relief from clouds and occasional rain in Rupandehi and Kapilvastu, the western Terai region continues to experience hot winds without adequate rainfall.

If rainfall continues to remain scarce, immediate relief from the heatwave in the western Terai region is unlikely.

Paudel mentioned that while clouds may form over Kailali and Kanchanpur districts on Sunday, there is no guarantee of precipitation.