Kathmandu, 18 October (H.S.): Minimum temperatures have fallen below freezing in several Himalayan districts of Nepal, intensifying cold conditions across the mountainous regions as temperatures continue to decline.

According to temperature data for 17 Himalayan districts released on Sunday morning by the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, the minimum temperature in the northern parts of around a dozen districts, including Humla, Jumla, Rolpa, Dolpa, Manang and Mustang, dropped to minus 0.5 degrees Celsius.

The minimum temperature in these areas stood at 1.5 degrees Celsius on Saturday and 3 degrees Celsius on Friday, indicating a steady decline over the past three days.

Similarly, temperatures in northern border areas, including Sankhuwasabha, Rasuwa, Bajura, Mugu and Kalikot, have approached the freezing point. Reports have also indicated snowfall in areas where temperatures are hovering around zero degrees Celsius.

According to the department, Kathmandu recorded a minimum temperature of 10.5 degrees Celsius at 8:45 am on Sunday. The minimum temperature in the capital was 13.8 degrees Celsius on Saturday and 15 degrees Celsius on Friday, reflecting a significant fall over the period.

Among other locations, Okhaldhunga recorded a minimum temperature of 6.2 degrees Celsius on Sunday, followed by Dadeldhura at 5.9 degrees Celsius, Taplejung at 3.7 degrees Celsius, Birendranagar at 4.3 degrees Celsius, Dipayal at 5.5 degrees Celsius, Dhankuta at 5.6 degrees Celsius, Ghorahi at 7 degrees Celsius and Pokhara at 7.5 degrees Celsius.

The department publishes daily minimum temperature data on its website at 8:45 am, along with maximum temperature readings recorded at 5:45 pm.

The department said the country is currently experiencing the partial influence of westerly winds, as temperatures continue to decline across the Himalayan region.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar