Heavy rain forecast in four provinces today, flood, landslide risk increases

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) has forecast heavy rainfall in parts of four provinces on Friday as monsoon activity remains active across the country, raising the risk of floods, landslides, and debris flows.

According to the DHM, the monsoon trough is currently positioned slightly south of its average location in western Nepal and near its average position in the eastern region. As a result, most parts of the country are experiencing generally cloudy conditions, with light to moderate rainfall already occurring in parts of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Karnali, and Sudurpashchim provinces.

The department reported that Dodhara in Kanchanpur recorded the highest rainfall over the past 24 hours at 124.4 mm. Rainfall was also recorded in several other locations, including Sindhupalchok, Lamjung, Taplejung, Kalikot, and Doti.

For Friday afternoon, the DHM forecasts generally cloudy skies nationwide, with light to moderate rain over parts of the hilly and mountainous regions and thunderstorms with moderate rainfall in isolated areas of the Tarai. Heavy rainfall is likely at one or two locations in the hilly districts of Bagmati, Gandaki, and Karnali provinces.

Rain is expected to continue into Friday night, with heavy downpours also possible in parts of the hilly and Tarai regions of Koshi Province, as well as the hilly areas of Bagmati and Gandaki provinces.

The department has warned that active monsoon conditions are expected to persist over the next three days, with heavy rainfall likely in parts of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, and Karnali provinces. Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert, as intense rainfall could trigger floods, landslides, soil erosion, and debris flows.

The DHM also cautioned that adverse weather could disrupt daily life, agriculture, healthcare services, tourism, mountaineering activities, and road and air transportation, urging the public to stay updated with the latest weather advisories.