Cyclone Arnab threatens Nepal with widespread rainfall from Thursday

Nepal is likely to experience widespread rainfall from Thursday as Cyclone Arnab, developing in the Bay of Bengal, strengthens and moves toward India's eastern coast. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) has warned that some parts of the country could receive heavy to very heavy rainfall on Friday.

The weather is expected to begin changing on Wednesday, with scattered rain and snowfall in some Himalayan areas. The impact is likely to intensify from Thursday night through Saturday, with eastern Nepal expected to receive more rainfall than western parts of the country.

The cyclone's effects could reach Nepal from Wednesday night, initially affecting parts of the Himalayas before spreading to other regions from Thursday.

According to the department's five-day forecast, moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning is likely across much of Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces on Thursday. Some areas of Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces may also experience rainfall.

Heavy rain and snowfall are possible in isolated areas of the Himalayan and hilly regions of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces. Parts of the Lumbini hills and Terai could also receive heavy rain.

Rainfall is expected to become more widespread on Friday, affecting most areas of Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces, as well as many locations in Karnali and Sudurpashchim. Some areas of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini could experience heavy to very heavy rainfall or snowfall.

The cyclone developed over the Bay of Bengal on Monday and is forecast to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm by Tuesday, according to India's Meteorological Department. It is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh–Yanam coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam on Wednesday morning, with wind speeds of 115–125 kilometres per hour and gusts reaching 140 kilometres per hour.

Authorities in India have issued red alerts for six districts of Andhra Pradesh, warning of extremely heavy rainfall and potential flooding. Coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha are also preparing for adverse weather conditions.

Although the cyclone is expected to make landfall in India, its associated weather system could bring significant rainfall to Nepal.

The forecast has raised concerns for the country’s agriculture sector, as farmers are harvesting ripe paddy and drying cut rice in their fields. Heavy rain could damage standing crops and disrupt the drying and storage of harvested paddy.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has also warned of potential impacts on trekking, road transportation and daily life. Heavy rainfall could trigger floods, landslides, debris flows and soil erosion, particularly as the ground remains saturated following the monsoon season.

The weather could also affect travelers and trekkers in mountainous areas. Authorities have urged the public to monitor weather updates and take precautions in areas vulnerable to flooding, landslides and snowfall.

Meanwhile, the Nepal Premier League is scheduled to begin at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. The possibility of rainfall has raised concerns about potential disruptions to matches, although the extent of any impact remains uncertain.

In Kathmandu, cloudy conditions are expected on Wednesday, with a possibility of rain on Thursday. The weather may remain unsettled through Friday before gradually improving from Saturday night as the cyclone's influence weakens.

DHM has advised the public to remain alert from Thursday through Saturday and follow official weather forecasts, particularly in areas at risk of heavy rainfall and related disasters.