Heatwave Alert Issued for Western Nepal as Temperatures Near 40°C

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has issued a heatwave alert for six districts in western Nepal as temperatures are expected to soar above 40 degrees Celsius through Monday.

The districts of Dang, Banke, Bardiya, Doti, Kailali, and Kanchanpur have been placed under high alert, while residents of Kapilvastu, Rupandehi, and nearby areas have also been advised to remain cautious.

Authorities warned that the ongoing extreme heat and hot air waves could cause dehydration, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and other heat-related illnesses.

The NDRRMA has urged disaster management agencies to prepare response measures and advised the public to avoid direct sunlight during peak hours, stay hydrated, wear protective clothing, and consume light, fresh food instead of junk food.

Children and elderly people have been identified as the most vulnerable groups.

Meanwhile, the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology said temperatures have risen rapidly since early May due to the influence of westerly and local winds, along with a low-pressure system in eastern Nepal.

The Meteorological Forecasting Division reported generally cloudy conditions in Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces, with chances of rainfall, thunderstorms, and snowfall in several hilly and mountainous areas. Heavy rainfall is also likely in isolated parts of Gandaki and Koshi provinces.

Despite scattered rain in some regions, hotter days are expected to continue in the hills, while heatwave conditions are likely to persist across the Terai areas of Lumbini Province and Sudurpashchim Province.