Snowfall has occurred across the high hill and Himalayan regions of Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces following a change in weather from Friday night.

In Karnali, snow began falling in Jumla, Mugu, Humla and Dolpa, marking the first snowfall of the year in the province. The snowfall, accompanied by a drop in temperature, has affected daily life, but farmers have welcomed it after a long dry spell.

Upper settlements and alpine pastures in Dolpa have been completely covered in snow. With the second month of the year approaching, farmers say the snowfall will help improve winter crops. Durga Prasad Devkota, a local farmer from Tripurasundari Municipality, said rain and snow would benefit wheat, barley and other grains sown in December.

Snowfall is still continuing in parts of Dolpa, Humla, Mugu and Jumla. However, concerns have been raised that heavy and prolonged snow accumulation in upper Humla and Dolpa could affect the scheduled March 5 elections.

In Sudurpaschim, snowfall has been reported in Dadeldhura, Bajhang, Darchula and several areas of Baitadi, including Khodpe, Shribhawar, Dholyamod, Musyachaur, Satbajh, Dehimandau and Shivnath. Rain has been falling in other parts of the province.

"Winter crops had begun to dry up due to drought caused by the lack of rainfall since October. Friday’s rain and snowfall are expected to provide much-needed relief to farmers," said Manish Chand, a farmer in Baitadi.

Meteorologists have forecast clearer weather in the coming days, with the possibility of another spell of snowfall after three days.