March 1: The country received the lowest precipitation this winter in the last 14 years.

According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, light to normal rainfall occurred in some places including the Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara and Kalinchowk some days back towards the end of the winter season.    

Winter rain is of particular concern for the farmers as the productivity of  winter crop depends on rainfall in Nepal where there isn’t proper  irrigation facility.

As per the weather bulletin issued by the department, eastern and central Nepal received less rainfall this winter compared to western and far-western regions of the country.

Heavy snowfall was reported in the western hills and mountains of Nepal more than a month ago but there was scant snowfall in the high hills and mountains of other areas, the department added.

According to the department, pre-monsoon has started from today (March 1) with the exit of winter.

The pre-monsoon period is characterized by thunder and lightning coupled with gusty winds and the possibility of hailstone and rain towards the afternoon, meteorologist Basi told the state-owned RSS.

According to meteorologist Basi, pre-monsoon will last for three months.

“The pre-monsoon season will remain in place during March, April and May, followed by the start of monsoon,” RSS quoted Basi as saying.    
The local wind has much influence during the time of this weather system.    
There are chances of light rain at one or two places of the hill region today due to the impact of the local wind, Basi said, adding that light rain and snowfall is likely at one or two places of Sudurpaschim and Karnali provinces today.