SIMKOT: The temperature in Hilsa, Ward No. 5 of Namkha Rural Municipality along the Nepal-China border, has dropped to minus eight degrees Celsius.

The cold intensified in the Hilsa area following snowfall in the Nara region a few days ago. Despite no snowfall this year, daytime temperatures in Hilsa and Kit areas have already fallen to minus eight degrees Celsius.

Until a week ago, temperatures were near zero degrees Celsius but have now suddenly dropped to minus eight.

The cold is expected to increase further during mornings and nights. Last year, Hilsa’s temperature remained around zero to one or two degrees Celsius until snowfall, after which it dropped below zero.

Local residents, said that with temperatures now below zero, water in drinking sources has started freezing, and people mostly have to stay indoors warming themselves by fire. The cold has increased significantly even without snow and is expected to become harsher once snowfall occurs.

Hilsa currently hosts the Yari Customs and Immigration offices, a district police border post, an armed police border security post, local hotels, and residents.

Despite the cold, movement between Hilsa and Taklakot in China continues, and the road to Nara Lake at 4,670 meters remains operational. During snowfall, temperatures in Hilsa can drop as low as minus 21 degrees Celsius.