Heavy downpours expected in some areas today

KATHMANDU: Monsoon conditions are expected to bring rainfall to most parts of the country today, with heavy rain likely in some areas, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology.

The Department said the monsoon trough is currently positioned slightly north of its average location in the western region and near its average position in the east, contributing to widespread rainfall.

At present, the weather is generally cloudy across the country. Moderate rainfall is occurring at a few places in the hilly areas of Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces, and at one or two places in the hilly regions of Koshi, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces.

This afternoon, skies are expected to remain generally cloudy nationwide. Moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning is likely at many places in the hilly regions and at some places in the Terai of Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, and Sudurpaschim provinces.

Isolated rainfall is also expected in the Terai areas of Madhesh and Koshi provinces. Light to moderate snowfall, along with rain, is possible in some high mountainous areas.

The Department has forecast heavy rainfall at one or two places in the hilly regions of the country, particularly in the mountainous areas of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Karnali provinces, as well as in parts of the Terai of Lumbini Province.

Tonight, the weather will remain generally cloudy across the country. Moderate rain with thunder and lightning is likely at some places in the hilly and Terai regions of Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, Sudurpaschim, Madhesh, and Koshi provinces, as well as at a few places in the hilly areas of Karnali Province. Rain and snowfall are also expected in some high mountainous areas of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces.

Meanwhile, the Department has urged the public to remain alert, warning that heavy rainfall could trigger flash floods, river flooding, landslides, and soil erosion in vulnerable areas.

It also cautioned that adverse weather conditions may disrupt daily life, agriculture, health services, tourism, mountaineering activities, and both road and air transportation.