KATHMANDU: Kathmandu’s early morning cold intensified on Thursday, with the valley’s minimum temperature falling by about two degrees Celsius compared with the previous day.

According to the Weather Forecasting Division, the temperature in Kathmandu was recorded at 6.5°C at 5:45 am on Thursday, down from 8.5°C at the same time on Wednesday.

By 8:45 am, the temperature had risen slightly to 7.5°C around one degree higher than the early morning reading. Meteorologists note that the official minimum temperature is determined at 8:45 am, meaning the final figure for the day may still vary marginally.

Experts say a drop in minimum temperature is a clear sign of colder mornings. Clear skies overnight allow heat to escape more rapidly, resulting in lower temperatures at dawn. In contrast, cloud cover tends to trap heat, keeping nights and early mornings relatively warmer.

Maximum temperatures follow a different pattern. Cloudy conditions during the day can suppress daytime heat by blocking sunlight, while clear skies usually allow temperatures to climb.

The Weather Forecasting Division records minimum and maximum temperatures daily across the country, including in Kathmandu. The minimum temperature is officially measured at 8:45 am, while the maximum temperature is recorded later in the afternoon.