Heavy rain forecast in Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Karnali, Lumbini, snow in Himalayan region

KATHMANDU: The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) today issued a 24‑hour forecast warning of widespread cloudy skies and varying rainfall across Nepal.

The DHM said light to moderate rain or snowfall may occur at some places in the Himalayan region, while moderate rainfall is expected at many locations in the hilly belt. In the Tarai, moderate rain is likely at several places in Lumbini and Sudurpashchim provinces, at a few places in Madhesh province, and in parts of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces. Heavy rainfall is possible at one or two places in the Himalayan and hilly areas of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces, in the hilly region of Karnali Province, and in both the hilly and Tarai areas of Lumbini Province.

The department forecast continued cloudy conditions with a chance of rain or snowfall in some Himalayan areas tonight. Moderate rain is expected at many places across the hilly and Tarai regions. The agency warned of heavy rainfall at one or two places in the hilly and Tarai areas of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini, in the hilly part of Karnali Province, and in the Himalayan and hilly areas of Sudurpashchim.

In its meteorological analysis, DHM reported that monsoon winds are affecting the entire country and that the monsoon trough remains near its average location.

The agency urged residents in vulnerable areas to stay alert for localised heavy rain and related hazards.