The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Kathmandu has reached the “very unhealthy” category as the mercury drops, setting a record for the lowest temperature of the year. The minimum temperature in the valley dropped to 4.8 degrees Celsius, the lowest recorded temperature in the current year.
As per the pollution station set up by the US Embassy in Phora Durbar, the AQI stood at 226 at 11 am local time. Subsequently, it had slightly improved to 168 at 2:45 pm (NST), but the air quality remained unhealthy to breathe.
Meteorologist Sanjeev Adhikari from the Weather Forecasting Division noted that the minimum temperature in Kathmandu Valley plummeted to 4.8 degrees Celsius, marking the lowest recorded temperature this year. He emphasized that this minimum temperature is the most chilling experienced in Kathmandu Valley in the current year.
The fluctuation in temperatures underscores the intensity of the ongoing cold spell in the region. The maximum temperature in Kathmandu Valley for the day is expected to range between 17 and 19 degrees Celsius. The persistent cold conditions contribute to the deterioration of air quality in the area.