The Meteorological Forecasting Division (MFD) has forecasted a fresh spell of rainfall across various parts of the country today, with a possibility of heavy rain at one or two locations in the hilly regions of Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki Provinces. The Division has also indicated that scattered moderate rainfall is expected in several other provinces as the country continues to experience seasonal monsoon conditions.
Cloudy Weather Across the Country
According to the MFD, the overall weather pattern for today will remain generally cloudy throughout the country. Cloud buildup has been particularly prominent over the eastern and central parts of Nepal, fueled by moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal. The weather office said that this condition could trigger intermittent rainfall in multiple provinces, especially in hilly and mountainous areas.
Province-wise Rainfall Forecast
The Division has outlined its detailed forecast as follows:
- Koshi Province: Moderate rainfall is likely in some areas, particularly in the eastern hilly belt. One or two places may experience heavy rainfall that could continue for short periods.
- Madhesh Province: Light to moderate showers are likely at isolated places, especially towards the northern stretches bordering the hills.
- Bagmati Province: The central hills, including areas around Kathmandu Valley and its surrounding districts, may receive moderate to heavy rainfall at one or two locations.
- Gandaki Province: The Division has warned of heavy showers in a few hilly areas, with moderate rainfall expected more widely across the province.
- Lumbini Province: A few hilly places may see moderate rainfall, while most Tarai districts will likely receive light showers.
- Karnali Province: Moderate rainfall may occur in scattered hilly regions during the evening and night hours.
- Sudurpaschim Province: Only light showers are expected, with weather remaining generally fair in most parts.
Tonight’s Weather Outlook
The MFD further reported that tonight the weather will remain generally cloudy in the hilly regions, while conditions are expected to be mainly fair in the rest of the country. Moderate rainfall is forecasted at a few places in the hilly areas of Gandaki, Lumbini, and Karnali Provinces, while light rainfall is possible at one or two locations in the Tarai plains of other provinces.
Seasonal Monsoon Dynamics
Meteorologists explained that the current weather system is part of the retreating monsoon pattern, which typically brings unstable conditions during late September. Though the intensity of the monsoon is gradually weakening, intermittent spells of rain are still expected, especially in hilly and mountainous provinces.
“The eastern and central regions are still receiving strong moisture inflows from the Bay of Bengal. This is why Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki Provinces are witnessing a higher chance of rainfall compared to other provinces,” said an official at the Meteorological Forecasting Division.
Potential Impacts of Rainfall
The possibility of heavy rainfall in hilly regions raises concerns about localized flooding, landslides, and disruption of transportation. Authorities have advised people living in landslide-prone areas to remain cautious, particularly travelers using rural roads in hilly districts.
Farmers in eastern and central Nepal may find today’s rain beneficial for late summer crops. However, continuous heavy showers in certain areas could damage paddy fields and vegetables.
Tourism activities such as trekking in popular routes of Annapurna and Langtang regions may also be affected due to slippery trails and reduced visibility. Travelers have been advised to monitor weather updates before setting out.
Comparatively Fair Weather in the Tarai
Unlike the hills, most parts of the Tarai plains are likely to see light showers or fair weather today. The Division said the plains of Madhesh, Lumbini, and Sudurpaschim Provinces will experience partly cloudy to clear skies, except for isolated rainfall in a few areas. This comes as a relief for farmers harvesting early paddy crops and for communities engaged in festival preparations.
Monsoon Nearing Its End
Nepal typically experiences the monsoon season from June to late September. With the end of September approaching, the monsoon is gradually losing strength. However, experts say that even during its final phase, the system can cause significant rainfall events.
“In recent years, we have observed that the retreating monsoon often brings short but intense showers, which sometimes lead to flash floods in hilly rivers and streams. Therefore, even as the monsoon departs, vigilance is still necessary,” meteorologist Pratibha Manandhar explained.
Public Safety Advisory
The Meteorological Forecasting Division has urged the public to remain updated with real-time weather bulletins. Local administrations in hilly districts have also been requested to prepare for emergency response in case of landslides or floods triggered by heavy rainfall.
Travelers, especially those using highways that pass through hilly terrain such as the Prithvi Highway and Mid-Hill Highway, have been advised to drive cautiously due to the risk of road blockages caused by rainfall-induced landslides.
With the possibility of heavy rainfall in the hilly regions of Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki Provinces, today’s weather highlights the unpredictable nature of the retreating monsoon. While light to moderate rainfall will provide relief in some areas, the risks of landslides and flooding in vulnerable districts cannot be ignored.
The Meteorological Forecasting Division continues to monitor the evolving system and urges residents, travelers, and farmers to stay alert. As Nepal transitions toward the post-monsoon season, authorities emphasize that preparedness and caution remain key to minimizing risks from sudden weather changes.
