DHM warns of heavy rain, very heavy falls across Nepal

KATHMANDU: The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) has warned of widespread cloudy conditions and significant rainfall across Nepal, with heavy and very heavy falls possible in parts of the Himalayan, hilly and Tarai regions.

In its 24-hour forecast issued at 8:00 am, the DHM said moderate rain or snowfall accompanied by thunder and lightning is likely at some places in the Himalayan region, while moderate rainfall is expected at many places in the hilly areas. The Tarai regions of Koshi, Lumbini and Sudurpashchim provinces may see moderate rain with thunder and lightning at some locations, and a few places in the Tarai of Madhesh, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces could also be affected.

The agency warned of heavy rainfall at one or two places in the Himalayan and hilly regions of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki, in the hilly regions of Karnali and Sudurpashchim, and in both the hilly and Tarai regions of Lumbini.

For tonight, the DHM forecast continued cloudy conditions with a similar pattern of moderate rain or snowfall and thunderstorms in the Himalayan region. Many hilly areas and the Tarai regions of Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini and Sudurpashchim are likely to receive moderate rainfall with thunder and lightning. Heavy falls are possible at one or two places in Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki, and at several places in Karnali, Lumbini and Sudurpashchim, with very heavy rainfall also possible in some of these areas.

The DHM said the country remains under the influence of monsoon winds and that the monsoon trough is around its average position. It urged authorities and the public to remain alert to the risk of landslides, flooding and other hazards associated with heavy rain.