Rain likely across Nepal, snowfall in mountains from Thursday as Cyclone Arnab impacts weather
KATHMANDU: Rain is likely across various parts of Nepal from Thursday under the influence of Cyclone Arnab. The powerful weather system, which originated in the Bay of Bengal and has already made landfall in India's Andhra Pradesh, is expected to affect the country's weather through Saturday.
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology said the cyclone has already caused cloud cover in some parts of the country and could bring rain, snowfall and adverse weather conditions through Saturday.
Meteorologist Binu Maharjan said the cyclone's impact is already being observed in Nepal, with partial cloud cover reported in Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces. Light rain was recorded at one or two places in Lumbini Province on Wednesday morning.
"The impact of the cyclone is already being observed in Nepal. Currently, there is partial cloud cover in Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces; light rain even occurred in one or two places within Lumbini Province this morning," she said.
According to the Department, moderate rainfall is likely in most mountainous areas of Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces. Moderate rain is also forecast at many locations across the hilly and Tarai regions of Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces.
Maharjan said there is a possibility of heavy rainfall at a few places and very heavy rainfall at one or two locations across Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces. Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces may also witness thunderstorms, lightning and hail in some areas.
Snowfall is also likely in the country's high-altitude and mountainous regions during the period.
The Department has urged the public to remain cautious, warning that the expected rainfall could affect agricultural activities as well as mountaineering, trekking and tourism. Farmers harvesting paddy have been advised to plan their work after checking weather forecasts, while tourists travelling in high-hill and mountainous areas have been urged to stay in safe locations until weather conditions improve.
