Cloudy skies across Nepal as Kathmandu’s air stays unhealthy

As rain remains absent, a dense layer of haze has covered the valley over the past several days while Kathmandu valley’s air pollution continues to stay healthy. 

Real-time monitoring by IQAir showed that Kathmandu’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was 188 as of 12 PM on Monday, a level classified as “unhealthy,” with PM2.5 concentrations of about 110 micrograms per cubic metre. This is roughly 22 times higher than the annual guideline set by the World Health Organisation.

Meteorologists say that air pollution could worsen if dry conditions continue. The extended period without rainfall along with weak winds has allowed pollutants to build up in the atmosphere. The possible rainfall later in the day, as the weather forecast suggests, could provide temporary relief by helping disperse some of the accumulated particulate pollution in the Valley.

As of early March 2026, IQAir consistently ranks Kathmandu among the top 10 most polluted cities in the world, with air quality frequently reaching "unhealthy" levels (AQI often above 150-200). Other citywise AQI levels have also recorded unhealthy levels, with Dhangadhi (194) and Birendranagar (185).

Recommended

In Nepal, air pollution is reducing life by 3.4 years

Pollution at the current level poses health risks, particularly for children, older adults and people with respiratory conditions. According to a World Bank report, air pollution reduces life expectancy by 3.4 years in Nepal, causing 26,000 annual premature deaths.

Recent global monitoring has also placed Kathmandu among the world’s most polluted cities, as the Valley continues to face seasonal spikes in particulate pollution.

Meanwhile, much of Nepal, including the Kathmandu Valley, is expected to experience generally cloudy conditions through Monday with chances of light rain and thunderstorms in several provinces, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM).

In its bulletin, the department said generally cloudy weather is likely over Koshi Province, Madhesh Province, Bagmati Province, Gandaki Province and Lumbini Province, along with the hilly and mountainous regions of Karnali Province and Sudurpashchim Province.

The meteorological office said light rain or snowfall accompanied by thunder and lightning is possible at a few places in Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces, and at isolated locations in the hills and mountains of Karnali and Sudurpashchim.

The department attributed the conditions to the partial influence of a high-pressure system in the upper atmosphere combined with a low-pressure area in the lower atmosphere near eastern Nepal, which is helping generate cloud formation and unstable weather.

In the night, generally cloudy conditions are expected in the hilly and mountainous regions of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini, as well as the hills of Karnali and Sudurpashchim. Light rain with thunder and lightning is possible at a few places in Gandaki’s hills and mountains, and at isolated locations in the hills of Koshi, Bagmati and Lumbini.