Today’s weather: Monsoon deepens across Nepal, bringing rain, risk, and rising rivers

Monsoon winds have taken hold across Nepal, with cloudy skies and bouts of rainfall expected to continue throughout the day, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology.

The monsoon trough—an atmospheric low-pressure belt typically associated with the convergence of winds and increased rain—is currently stationed around its average position. This signals a relatively stable monsoon phase, bringing typical rainfall activity across the country.        

For now, partly to generally cloudy conditions are forecast countrywide. Occasional heavy rainfall is likely in pockets of Gandaki, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces. Light to moderate showers, accompanied by thunder and lightning, are also expected in the hilly areas of Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini, as well as scattered locations elsewhere. In the high hills and Himalayan regions, the forecast also includes a chance of snowfall.  

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Cloudy conditions will likely persist into the night. The department warns of possible heavy rainfall in Koshi, Gandaki, Lumbini, and Sudurpaschim provinces. Hill regions across Koshi, Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim are expected to experience light to moderate rain, while a few areas in the Himalayan belt could see a mix of rain and snow.

In the Kathmandu Valley, yesterday brought mostly sunny weather with partly cloudy intervals, followed by patchy rainfall during the night. Today, temperatures are expected to peak between 27–29°C, dipping to 20–22°C by nightfall. The likelihood of rainfall stands at 60% during the day and 40% at night.

Moreover, the department has issued an advisory regarding the risk of soil erosion, flooding, landslides, and debris flow in different places of Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, Sudurpaschim, Koshi, and Bagmati provinces, considering the rainfall possibilities. With water level rise in minor rivers and streams, a high risk of inundation in urban areas and the plains is expected.

Notably, Madhesh Province is likely to experience extreme drought this monsoon, exemplified by lack of rainfall, extreme heat waves and acute shortage of groundwater in Birgunj and nearby areas, and the southern parts of the province.