The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology’s Meteorological Forecasting Division (MFD) has issued a special heatwave bulletin, placing 14 districts across Nepal’s southern plains on high alert.
Meteorologists have warned that a severe, moderate heatwave (Loo) is expected to grip the southern plains for at least the next three days, with maximum temperatures consistently crossing 38°C to 40°C or higher in isolated pockets.
The Affected Zones
Under the government’s color-coded weather warning system, an Orange Alert (high risk) has been issued for the following 14 districts across the central, eastern, and western Tarai:
Western & Mid-Western Tarai: Bardiya, Banke, Dang, Kapilvastu, Rupandehi, and Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta West).
Central & Eastern Tarai: Parsa, Bara, Rautahat, Sarlahi, Mahottari, Dhanusha, Siraha, and Saptari.
Additionally, a Yellow Alert has been issued for seven surrounding lowland districts—including Kanchanpur, Kailali, Chitwan, Sunsari, Morang, and Jhapa—where residents are advised to stay updated and monitor local conditions closely.
According to MFD meteorologist Saroj Pudasaini, extreme levels have already been recorded in key urban hubs, with Bhairahawa hitting a scorching 41°C and Nepalgunj reaching 40°C. The current sweltering weather pattern is being driven by a combination of a partial western low-pressure trough and dry local winds.
Health Risks & Advisory
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) and the Ministry of Health have jointly urged the public to minimize exposure. Extreme heat waves pose direct health risks, including heat exhaustion, dehydration, dizziness, muscle cramps, and heatstroke.
Key safety recommendations issued by authorities include:
Avoiding unnecessary outdoor travel and intense physical labor during peak afternoon hours.
Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, lemon water, and fresh juices while avoiding dehydrating beverages like tea or coffee.
Wearing loose, light-colored, breathable cotton clothing and utilizing umbrellas or head covers when stepping outside.
Ensuring children, the elderly, and chronically ill individuals remain in well-ventilated or shaded areas.
While the Tarai plains continue to experience blistering heat, the MFD noted that hilly and mountainous regions of the country, including the Kathmandu Valley, are seeing mixed weather with scattered afternoon thunderstorms and light-to-moderate rain.