KATHMANDU: Monsoon in Nepal has prolonged this year.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology said although the monsoon that normally lasts up to September 23, the monsoon is likely to remain active until the upcoming Dashain festival i.e. first week of October.

The prolonged monsoon is attributed to the continuity of moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal. The monsoon generally sets in on June 10 and lasts up to September 23 in the country.

The monsoon that commenced on June 20 this year- 10 days late than normal- will take two more weeks to exit, according to meteorologist Samir Shrestha.

Explaining the prolongation of monsoon, Shrestha said the monsoon trough was positioned towards southern direction than its average position causing the extension this year.

He shared that the monsoon system would become weaker in the eastern parts of the country when it is time for its exit. However, it is still active in the eastern parts.

According to him, although the duration of the monsoon has extended, there is no possibility of heavy rain. The days are mostly sunny and light to moderate rain occurs towards the evening and at night throughout the country.