KATHMANDU: Nepal recorded its highest pre-monsoon rainfall in 45 years, according to data from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM).
The long-term average rainfall during the pre-monsoon season in Nepal is 226.3 millimeters. This year, however, the country received 339.7 millimeters of rainfall—145.5 percent of the seasonal average, according to Sanjeev Adhikari, a meteorologist at the DHM’s Weather Forecasting Division.
Meanwhile, the highest rainfall recorded in the past 24 hours was in Anarmani Birta, Jhapa. According to the DHM, 208 millimeters of rainfall was measured at the area’s rain gauge station during the period, which falls under the category of “very heavy rainfall.” DHM Information Officer Dinkar Kayastha said rainfall exceeding 200 millimeters within 24 hours is classified as very heavy rain.
Jhapa district has experienced continuous rainfall over the past several days. Assistant Chief District Officer of Jhapa, Tej Prakash Prasai, said that while some localized areas have received intense rainfall, no reports of significant damage or adverse impacts have been received so far. The Department has also indicated that the monsoon is expected to enter Nepal through this region.
Heavy rainfall has also been recorded at several monitoring stations in Ilam, Morang, Sunsari, and Sindhuli districts. However, rainfall activity remains localized rather than widespread. In western Nepal, stations in Kaski, Lamjung, and Gorkha have also reported heavy rainfall.
Based on data collected from 126 rainfall monitoring stations since 1981, the DHM stated that this year’s pre-monsoon rainfall is the highest recorded during the past 45 years.
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