Kathmandu, March 1 -- Several districts of Sudurpaschim, Karnali, Lumbini, and Gandaki provinces witnessed light to moderate rainfall on Friday, thanks to western disturbances that offered some respite to farmers preparing their fields for the next planting season.

The rainfall, which occurred on the last day of the winter season (December 1 to February 28), also helped reduce pollution levels.

The Meteorological Forecasting Division of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology said that hilly and mountainous regions of other provinces-Bagmati and Koshi, including the Kathmandu Valley-also witnessed light rain and drizzles on Friday.

"Today's rainfall is the highest we have seen this winter," said Hari Prasad Dahal, a meteorologist a...