The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has issued a weather bulletin warning of heavy rainfall at isolated places across several provinces today. With monsoon winds active across the country, the weather pattern is expected to bring widespread rain, thunderstorms, and even snowfall in high-altitude areas, affecting both daily life and travel plans across Nepal.
Possibility of Heavy Rainfall in Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Karnali
According to the Meteorological Forecasting Division (MFD), there is a high possibility of heavy rainfall at one or two locations in Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Karnali Provinces during the day. These rainfall patterns are part of the ongoing monsoon activity that has gradually intensified over the past few days.
Local governments and disaster response units have been alerted to remain on standby, especially in areas prone to landslides and flash floods. Residents in vulnerable zones are being advised to stay cautious and avoid unnecessary travel.
Widespread Rain, Thunder and Lightning Likely Across the Nation
The weather division forecasts light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning in many areas across all seven provinces. The monsoon clouds have been consistently hovering over most parts of the country, contributing to humid conditions and frequent showers, especially during the afternoon and evening hours. This widespread activity is expected to affect road transportation, particularly in the hilly and mountainous terrains where visibility may drop suddenly due to rain and fog.
Snowfall Predicted in High-Hills and Mountainous Areas
In addition to the rain, the MFD has also predicted light to moderate snowfall at a few locations in the higher hilly and mountainous regions. These include parts of the Himalayas that are still experiencing colder temperatures, especially in the early morning and nighttime.
Trekkers and tourists heading to higher elevation routes like Manaslu, Annapurna Circuit, and Everest region have been cautioned to monitor the weather forecasts and make necessary preparations or defer travel if possible. Mountain flights may also face delays or cancellations due to poor visibility and cloud cover.
Cloudy Conditions and Rainfall Expected Tonight
As per the evening forecast, the weather will remain generally cloudy throughout the country. Light to moderate rainfall with thunder and lightning is expected in Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, and Sudurpaschim Provinces. Additionally, one or two places in Koshi and Gandaki Provinces could experience intense downpour, potentially leading to localized flooding.
Nighttime rain may also disrupt outdoor plans and increase the risk of road accidents due to slippery conditions. The Nepal Police and Traffic Management Offices have issued advisories for commuters to exercise caution, especially on highways and rural roads that are often impacted during monsoon season.
Authorities Urge Preparedness and Caution
With the onset of such unstable and intense weather conditions, the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has recommended that citizens, especially those in flood-prone and landslide-sensitive areas, remain vigilant and follow weather updates regularly.
Emergency shelters and relief teams in vulnerable districts such as Taplejung, Rasuwa, Myagdi, and Rukum have been placed on alert. Likewise, local municipalities have been instructed to clean drains and canals to minimize urban flooding in cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Biratnagar.
Impact on Agriculture and Daily Activities
This pattern of continued rain could have both positive and negative implications for farmers. While rainfall supports paddy plantation and other seasonal crops, excessive waterlogging and hailstorms, if any, may damage young crops and vegetables. Markets, schools, and public offices in some regions have reported low turnout in recent days due to the erratic monsoon showers, and the pattern is expected to continue into the weekend.
Public Advised to Stay Updated
Meteorologists recommend the public and stakeholders follow official updates from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology and use mobile weather apps or FM radio services for real-time alerts. For safety, people are advised to avoid riversides during heavy rainfall, stay away from landslide-prone cliffs, and not take shelter under large trees during thunderstorms.
Looking Ahead
With monsoon expected to persist for the next couple of months, weather experts suggest preparing for occasional extreme weather events, including short but intense rainfall, landslides, and rising river levels. The Department is closely monitoring developments through satellite imagery and ground-based stations to provide timely warnings. In the meantime, the government urges all citizens to stay safe, follow safety protocols, and assist in local preparedness efforts during this monsoon season.
