Westerly System Triggers Widespread Snowfall in Western and Central Nepal

Heavy snowfall in high-altitude areas of western and central parts of Nepal since Tuesday night has thrown daily life out of gear, blocking roads and disrupting mobility, while at the same time offering much-needed moisture for winter crops, much to the relief of farmers.

Large parts of the hill and mountain districts in Sudurpaschim and Karnali provinces as well as Gandaki Province witnessed snowfall, with several areas also receiving rainfall. Mountain roads were blocked and temperatures plunged, affecting transportation and routine activities.

Snowfall was reported in parts of Sudurpaschim Province, including Baitadi district, where upper belt areas such as Sigas, Khodpe, Anarkholi and Dholyamod received snow from early Wednesday morning. Local residents said temperatures dropped sharply, affecting normal activities, though farmers welcomed the development for crops like wheat.

Similarly, Humla district and adjoining high-altitude areas experienced widespread snowfall. Roads at Limi, Nyalu, Yari and Hilsa were obstructed after snow accumulated up to one foot, said Shankar Khadka, chief of the District Police Office. Reports from Simkot also confirmed snowfall in Mugu, Dolpa, Jumla and Kalikot since Tuesday night.

In Bajura district, heavy snow blanketed Badimalika, Budhiganga Triveni, Budhinanda, Himali, Khaptad Chhededaha, Gaumul, Swamikartik and Jagannath rural municipalities. Jashiram Sahani, chief of the Agriculture Knowledge Centre in Bajura, said although the harsh weather disrupted daily life, the snowfall would significantly improve soil moisture for winter crops.

In Mustang district, snowfall has severely disrupted movement along the Kagbeni–Korala roadway, where snow has piled up to two feet, according to local officials. Roshan Thakali, chief of the agriculture section at Gharapjhong Rural Municipality, told RSS that the snowfall would benefit apple orchards and winter crops such as buckwheat, barley and potatoes.

In Baglung district, higher elevations including the Dhorpatan Valley and surrounding areas witnessed snowfall since Tuesday night. Areas such as Nishikhola, Patihalne, Khanikhola and Nisheldhor were blanketed in snow, limiting mobility and freezing tap water amid severe cold. Locals, however, expressed optimism over the positive impact on winter farming.

According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, the weather was influenced by a westerly low-pressure system that entered western Nepal on Wednesday evening, bringing rainfall to much of the western and central Nepal.

Senior meteorologist Barun Paudel said the system is gradually shifting eastward from the west, with cloudy skies expected across the country. He added that light to moderate rainfall is likely in the Kathmandu Valley on Wednesday, while the impact on Koshi and Madhesh provinces is expected to remain relatively limited as the system weakens while moving east. – With inputs from RSS