After a long dry spell, it has finally rained in the Kathmandu Valley. Rain is currently falling at Tribhuvan International Airport and nearby areas.
According to meteorologist Govinda Jha from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, places like the airport area, Tinkune, Phulchowki, Chandragiri, Sallaghari in Bhaktapur, and Duwakot are experiencing rainfall.
The rain is expected to help reduce air pollution in the valley, providing some relief to residents who have been suffering due to poor air quality.
Light rain with thunder and lightning has also been reported in several other districts, including Jhapa, Sunsari, Sindhupalchok, Salyan, and Dang.
“This rain is happening in scattered areas for now,” Jha said. “The rain is likely to become heavier tonight and early tomorrow morning. There is also a chance of rain the day after tomorrow, but it may not be as strong.”
According to him, light to moderate rainfall is occurring in the Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces. The rain system is relatively weaker in the Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces.
“There is a chance of rain in the higher hill and Himalayan districts, but less possibility in the Terai areas of Sudurpaschim,” Jha added.
Thanks to the rain, air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley has decreased slightly. Yesterday, Kathmandu was ranked the most polluted city in the world. By this afternoon, it had dropped to the second position.
However, the air quality is still unhealthy. According to IQAir, Kathmandu’s Air Quality Index (AQI) is currently at 177.
