Monsoon arrival in Nepal likely to be delayed by a few more days

KATHMANDU: Nepal’s monsoon season is expected to arrive later than usual this year, with meteorologists forecasting a further delay of several days.

According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, the monsoon typically enters Nepal around June 13. However, despite already being three days later than last year’s arrival, the seasonal weather system has yet to reach the country.

Department spokesperson Bibhuti Pokharel said analysis of satellite data and numerical weather prediction models indicates that the onset of the monsoon is likely to be delayed for a few more days.

“Based on satellite observations and weather forecast models, there is a possibility that the monsoon will enter Nepal later than the average date,” Pokharel said.

At present, moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms is occurring in Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces, as well as in several hilly and mountainous areas of the country.

Pokharel noted that the development of El Niño conditions over the Pacific Ocean could influence the timing and strength of the monsoon.

“El Niño has already developed in the Pacific and is expected to strengthen further. This may affect the arrival of the monsoon in Nepal and could weaken monsoon activity across South Asia, including Nepal,” she said.

Meteorological records show that Nepal has experienced delayed monsoon arrivals in several years in the past, including 1972, 1982, 1983, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, 2009, 2016, 2019 and 2023.

Meteorologists continue to monitor weather patterns closely and are expected to provide further updates on the monsoon’s progress in the coming days.