Schools in Butwal Sub-metropolitan City have been closed for two days from Thursday due to sweltering heat. Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City has issued a notice instructing both community and private schools to close, citing concerns over the chances of students falling ill during the heatwave.

Mitramani Khanal, the chief administrative officer of the sub-metropolis, said the decision to close the schools was made due to concerns that the heatwave could significantly impact the students’ health.

“Butwal has experienced exceptionally high temperatures and a prolonged heatwave since early morning over the past few days,” he said. “The decision was made in response to requests from guardians.”

The maximum temperature in Butwal reached 42 degrees Celsius on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Dr Hari Panthi, a physician at Lumbini Provincial Hospital, said there is an uptick in the number of patients due to the recent spike in temperatures.

According to him, patients have symptoms such as cold, fever, headache, diarrhoea, dry skin, body aches and fainting.

“All of them are signs of excessive heat,” he said. “It’s crucial to remain indoors and stay hydrated.”

The Meteorological Forecasting Division has predicted no respite from the heat for at least three days. According to forecasts, there is currently no system in place to bring clouds or trigger rainfall. The temperatures of many districts across the Tarai region have exceeded 40 degrees Celsius.