Winter Rain and Snowfall Elate Farmers after Prolonged Dry Spell

Farmers across Nepal have welcomed the arrival of winter rainfall after a prolonged dry spell, saying the precipitation is expected to boost standing crops and improve soil moisture for upcoming plantations.

Most parts of the country received sporadic to moderate rainfall from Tuesday night due to a low-pressure system, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology’s Weather Forecasting Division. Snowfall was also reported in high hills and mountainous regions, particularly in western Nepal.

Deputy Director General at the Department of Agriculture, Rajendra Koirala, said the winter rain would be “like nectar” for seasonal crops. “Rainfall without hail helps strengthen mustard crops currently in the fields and is likely to increase wheat production,” he said.

Koirala added that winter rains promote new leaf growth in fruit trees and plants, which contributes to higher production in the next season. “Snowfall in mountainous regions also supports food and cash crops, including apples,” he said.

According to the Weather Forecasting Division, Surkhet recorded the highest rainfall at 43 millimetres as of Wednesday evening. Sheragaun in Rukum received 38 mm, followed by Baitadi with 35.6 mm, Jajarkot with 33 mm, Dadeldhura with 33.2 mm, Bajura with 30.2 mm, Manang with 32.4 mm and Dolpa with 31 mm.

Kathmandu Valley also witnessed winter rainfall on Wednesday, with Kathmandu recording 2.2 mm, while Lalitpur and Bhaktapur received 4.8 mm each.

The department said most areas of Karnali and Lumbini provinces experienced rainfall, while moderate precipitation occurred in the mountainous regions of Gandaki Province. Lower regions of Gandaki received light rainfall.  Koshi Province saw limited impact, with light rainfall and snowfall expected in northern areas on Thursday.

Meteorologist Barun Poudel said the weather system is gradually moving eastward and weakening. “Rainfall has been comparatively low in the Tarai and Koshi regions. Although the system will weaken, cold conditions are likely to intensify as cloud cover may persist for a few days,” he said.

He added that mist and fog are likely in many Tarai areas on Thursday, while high hills and mountainous regions of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces may see partial cloud cover. There is also a possibility of light rain or snowfall at one or two locations in these regions, while weather elsewhere is expected to remain mainly clear. -- RSS