Scorching heat disrupts daily life in Kailali and Kanchanpur

Dhangadhi: The ongoing scorching heat across Kailali and Kanchanpur districts has severely disrupted daily life, with rising temperatures making routine activities increasingly difficult.

According to Sanjay Kumar Sah, Head of the Mahakali Basin Field Office under the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology in Attariya, the narrowing gap between maximum and minimum temperatures in Dhangadhi is intensifying the heat. “People are now exposed to high temperatures for extended periods due to the reduced temperature difference,” he explained.

On Monday, Dhangadhi recorded a maximum temperature of 40.2 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 29.2 degrees. On Tuesday, the maximum dropped slightly to 37.2 degrees, with a minimum of 26.5 degrees Celsius. The monsoon, which has reached eastern Nepal, has yet to extend to the Far West Province due to the prevailing influence of westerly winds.

The extreme heat has taken a toll on daily wage earners, the elderly, and schoolchildren. Parents are increasingly calling for schools to be closed to protect children from heat-related illnesses. Market activity in areas such as Dhangadhi has also declined, particularly in the afternoons, with some shops choosing to shut down during peak heat hours.

Local resident Maniram Joshi shared that concrete houses are becoming unbearably hot, making it difficult to sleep at night. Some residents have resorted to pouring water on rooftops in an attempt to cool down their homes. “Ceiling fans are blowing hot air,” said Bir Bahadur Chaudhary. “We’re forced to stay indoors, but even that doesn’t provide relief.”

Health clinics and hospitals in Dhangadhi have reported a rise in cases of vomiting, fever, and typhoid. Health professionals advise keeping children hydrated with liquid foods and avoiding stale or improperly stored meals to prevent illness during this heatwave.