Monsoon influence strengthens; heavy rain forecast for several provinces

KATHMANDU: Meteorological Forecasting Division (MFD) has said the influence of the monsoon has increased across the country and rainfall is likely in many areas.

The division reported that a monsoon low-pressure area lies around the Tarai region, positioned somewhat above average in the west and near average in the east. It is currently cloudy nationwide, with light to moderate rain occurring in parts of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces and in one or two locations in Karnali.

The weather is expected to remain mostly cloudy this afternoon. Moderate rain, accompanied by thunder and lightning, is likely in most parts of the Mountainous, Hilly, and Tarai regions, and snowfall is possible at high altitudes in the mountainous areas.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is possible in some hilly and Tarai areas of Koshi, Lumbini, and Sudurpaschim provinces; in a few places in Bagmati and Gandaki; and in one or two Tarai locations in Madhesh, Bagmati, and Gandaki. There is a risk of very heavy rain in a few hilly and Tarai areas of Koshi, Gandaki, Lumbini and Sudurpaschim.

Tonight, most parts of the country will remain cloudy. Some mountainous areas may see moderate rain and snowfall with thunder and lightning. The division warned of moderate rain with thunder and lightning in most hilly areas of Koshi and Sudurpaschim and in most hilly and Tarai areas of Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini and Karnali.

There is a possibility of heavy to very heavy rain tonight in some hilly and Tarai areas of Koshi, Gandaki, Lumbini and Sudurpaschim, and of heavy rain in a few hilly and Tarai areas of Madhesh and Bagmati. The division urged people to remain alert, saying extremely heavy rain could occur in some hilly and Tarai areas of Koshi and Sudurpaschim.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has also urged the public to take precautions, warning that heavy rainfall increases the risk of flash floods, landslides, inundation, sediment flow and erosion.

By RSS