Dense fog has engulfed most of the Tarai districts, particularly the western region, for the past one week, with the Meteorological Forecasting Division (MFD) saying foggy conditions are likely to prevail over the plains for the next couple of days.

“Districts in the far-western and mid-western regions starting from Butwal have remained shrouded in dense fog, causing a drop in day temperature,” said Subash Rimal, a meteorologist at the MFD, on Tuesday. Normal life has been affected due to cold and foggy conditions. Flights in various sectors also have been hampered. 

Elderly and children have been hit hard, according to reports from Banke district. According to the Hydrology and Meteorology Office in Nepalgunj, the minimum and maximum temperatures were measured at 9.6 and 18.5 degrees Celsius respectively on Tuesday. 

Temperatures have plummeted three to four degrees Celsius in the western districts. “Cold condition is continuing, but it is too early to describe it as cold wave conditions which is normally characterised by significant drop in temperatures within a couple of days,” said Rimal. “Winter foggy conditions, which usually start in December, however, have been witnessed a bit early this year compared to previous years, he added.” 

According to Rimal, the west Tarai districts witnessed fog throughout the day on Tuesday, while parts in eastern and central Tarai are witnessing foggy conditions in the mornings and evenings. 

On Tuesday, Jumla recorded the lowest minimum temperature of -3.5 degrees Celsius followed by Dipayal (4.8 degrees C), Simara and Birendranagar (5 degrees C), Kathmandu (5.2. degrees C) and Dang (5.8 degrees C).