Monsoon activity to intensify countrywide, heavy rainfall likely until Wednesday

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) has warned that monsoon activity is set to intensify over the next three days, bringing heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and lightning to several parts of the country.

In its weather bulletin issued at 8:00 am on Monday, the department said monsoon winds are currently active across Koshi, Madhesh and Bagmati provinces, as well as parts of Gandaki and eastern Lumbini Province. The monsoon is expected to spread across the remaining areas of Gandaki and Lumbini provinces and throughout Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces by Monday or Tuesday.

Cloudy skies have prevailed nationwide, with light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning already occurring in many parts of Lumbini Province, scattered areas of Bagmati and Gandaki, and isolated locations in Koshi, Karnali, Sudurpashchim and Madhesh provinces.

The DHM said rainfall is expected to increase significantly on Tuesday and Wednesday, with heavy to very heavy downpours likely at isolated locations in Madhesh Province and the hilly and Tarai regions of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini and Sudurpashchim provinces.

The department has also forecast gusty winds in parts of the Tarai of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces, as well as some areas of Madhesh Province.

For Monday, generally cloudy conditions are expected across the country, with light to moderate rain and thunderstorms in many hilly and mountainous areas and scattered showers over the Tarai. Heavy rainfall is likely at one or two locations in Koshi and Gandaki provinces.

The wet weather is expected to continue through Tuesday and Wednesday, with widespread rain, thunderstorms and isolated heavy rainfall across much of the country. Some hilly areas of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces are at risk of heavy precipitation, while strong winds may affect parts of the Tarai in Koshi and Madhesh provinces.

DHM has urged the public to remain alert, particularly in areas vulnerable to floods, landslides and lightning, and to follow its latest weather updates and advisories.