Intense heat grips Terai-Madhesh region, including Mahottari; Daily life disrupted

MAHOTTARI:- With insufficient monsoon rainfall even as the fourth week of Shrawan draws to a close, the heat has intensified significantly across the Terai-Madhesh region, including Mahottari. Daily life in Mahottari and other districts of Madhesh Province has been disrupted as midday temperatures have begun reaching between 38 and 41 degrees Celsius in recent days.

Locals report that the heat has intensified due to the pattern of scorching sunshine from sunrise to evening, followed immediately by blazing sun after rainfall. Daily life has been disrupted as the heat has become so severe that it is difficult to even step outside at midday; people say they break into a heavy sweat even in the shade, and that even fans blow out hot air.

Rajiv Jha, Chief of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology office in Janakpur, stated that the maximum temperature in Janakpurdham reached 41 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. He noted that although the recorded temperature was 41 degrees, the “feels-like” temperature reached approximately 48 degrees Celsius.

Jha stated that the expected rainfall did not occur because the monsoon has not yet become fully active in the Madhesh region; furthermore, intense heat immediately following the cessation of rain led to increased evaporation, further intensifying the heat. According to him, these hot conditions are likely to persist for the next two days. He noted that the temperature in Janakpurdham is projected to reach between 39 and 41 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.

According to environmental expert Ashok Yadav, the impact of ‘loo’—or hot winds—has intensified in the Terai-Madhesh region over the past few days. He noted that the risk of hot winds has risen as temperatures in various districts of Madhesh Province have begun to exceed 40 degrees Celsius. He estimates that this condition, which began a few days ago, will persist until Friday.