In the second summer month this year, the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM) recorded the warmest day in Thimphu – 30 degree Celsius – on July 7.

Last year, Thimphu recorded the hottest day on August 5 that saw temperature rise to 31.5 degrees.

The capital also recorded its highest rainfall of 11.6 mm on June 6. The highest recorded rainfall last year was 30.4mm on July 5.

At the National Climate Outlook Forum earlier this May, an average rainfall of about 1,373mm was predicted this monsoon, which is considered normal.

In the southern region, Gelephu recorded the temperature at 34.5 degrees this time. On the same day when Gelephu recorded the highest temperature, Kanglung in Trashigang also recorded its highest at 31 degrees. Last year, Kanglung recorded its highest rainfall of 62.2mm.

Gelephu recorded the highest rainfall at 228.3mm this year. Last year, Gelephu recorded its highest rainfall of 258.2mm.

The monsoon ends only by the end of September.

According to NCHM, between 1996 and 2017, Thimphu’s highest temperature was 33 degrees and the lowest 7 degrees.  Thimphu also recorded the highest 24-hour rainfall of 89mm.

Likewise, Kanglung also saw its highest temperature recorded of 33 degree Celsius. However, the lowest was recorded at 0. The highest recorded rainfall was 129.4mm.

Samtse recorded the highest temperature at 34.5 and the lowest at 6. The dzongkhag received the highest recorded rainfall of about 445.2mm.

In Bhur, Gelephu the highest recorded temperature was 39 and the lowest 7. The highest recorded rainfall was 430mm.

Phuentsholing’s highest recorded temperature was 40 degree Celsius. The lowest was 5 with the highest recorded rainfall of 495.3mm. Phuentsholing has seen the highest recorded temperature and rainfall in the country since 1967.

Staff Reporter

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