Kathmandu: Nepal is currently experiencing the partial influence of westerly winds, resulting in colder weather conditions across the country, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM).

The Weather Forecasting Division said hilly and mountainous regions will remain partly cloudy today, while other areas will see mostly clear skies. However, cold conditions and dense fog have intensified in most parts of the Terai, affecting daily life and transportation.

This afternoon, partly cloudy conditions are expected in the hilly and mountainous areas of Koshi, Gandaki and Karnali provinces. The department has warned that thick fog and mist will prevail in most parts of the Terai. There is also a possibility of light rain or snowfall at one or two locations in the high hills and mountainous regions of Koshi Province.

Similar conditions are forecast for tonight, with partial cloud cover continuing in the hills of Koshi, Gandaki and Karnali, while fog and mist are likely to persist across the Terai. The department has urged the public to take precautions against cold weather.

Meanwhile, the DHM has reported a sharp drop in temperatures nationwide, including in the Kathmandu Valley, where the lowest temperature of the year was recorded on Monday morning.

According to the department, the minimum temperature in Kirtipur, Kathmandu was measured at 3.0 degrees Celsius. Similar temperatures were recorded in Khumaltar, Lalitpur and Nagarkot, Bhaktapur. In Chautara, Sindhupalchowk, the minimum temperature stood at 5.5 degrees Celsius.

Cold conditions have further intensified in the Himalayan region. The temperature at Lukla Airport dropped to minus 0.5 degrees Celsius, while Jumla Airport recorded minus 5.9 degrees Celsius and Simkot Airport in Humla minus 5.1 degrees Celsius. Meteorologists attribute the increased cold to the influence of westerly winds and snowfall in the high hills and mountainous areas.

Headache Patients Increasing in Terai
With the onset of colder weather, hospitals in the Terai have reported a significant rise in patients complaining of headaches. Doctors say cold air, sudden temperature changes and dehydration are the main causes.

Dr Roshan Khadka, senior physician at Koshi Hospital in Biratnagar, said that in winter, a drop in body temperature causes blood vessels to constrict, reducing blood flow to the head and resulting in persistent or heavy headaches. He added that people tend to drink less water during winter, making dehydration a common trigger.

Doctors have also noted that cold-induced stiffness in the neck and shoulder muscles can cause pain that spreads from the back of the head to the front. Motorcyclists, people sleeping in cold environments and those using mobile phones or computers for long hours are considered at higher risk.

Winter conditions are particularly challenging for migraine and sinus patients. Symptoms such as sensitivity to light and sound, vomiting and one-sided headaches tend to worsen due to cold air and disrupted sleep. Additionally, lack of sunlight can lead to vitamin D deficiency, contributing to fatigue and muscle pain.

Dr Khadka advised people not to ignore frequent headaches and to seek medical attention if symptoms persist despite medication, or if headaches are accompanied by blurred vision or fever. Doctors have recommended drinking adequate water, keeping the neck and ears warm, getting morning sunlight and doing light neck exercises to reduce winter-related health complications.