Kathmandu, October 30
The impact of Cyclone Arnab, which developed in the Bay of Bengal, is expected to be more visible today, according to meteorologists. Light to moderate rain is forecast throughout the day, with heavy rain possible in some places.
The weather system brought light rain to Koshi Province on Friday. Drizzle was also reported in the Kathmandu Valley. Today, however, rainfall is likely to increase and spread over a wider area.
Bibhuti Pokharel, a spokesperson for the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, said Cyclone Arnab has weakened. She added that its effects could still bring rain, snowfall and strong winds to Nepal, so people should stay alert.
According to Dr Binod Pokharel, associate professor at the Central Department of Hydrology and Meteorology at Tribhuvan University, heavy rain is likely in many parts of Koshi and Bagmati from this afternoon until night. The effects are forecast to weaken gradually from Saturday.
As long as the system remains active, it will bring snowfall to the high Himalayan region and rain to the Tarai and hills. The government has therefore urged everyone to remain on high alert.
Government on high alert
The government has placed security agencies on high alert, as Cyclone Arnab is expected to affect the country from the Himalaya to the Tarai. People have been asked to take extra care in the high mountains, where heavy snowfall, blizzards and avalanches are possible.
A meeting of the Disaster Response Command Post on Thursday directed all concerned agencies to keep collecting information from risk-prone districts and to keep the public informed. It also asked them to make preparations and stay ready for mobilisation if needed.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has issued a notice warning of strong winds, lightning and snowstorms along with heavy rain. It has asked people not to go mountaineering or trekking in the Himalayan and high hill areas. Those already on treks have been advised to stay in safe places. Farmers have been advised not to harvest paddy until Saturday.
According to the Meteorological Forecasting Division, Cyclone Arnab made landfall near the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh and Yanam in India at around 8:15 am on Wednesday. After moving inland in a north-northwest direction, it gradually weakened and turned into a deep depression. Because of this system, skies have been cloudy across Nepal since Thursday.
Senior meteorologist Pokharel of the department said thunder and lightning with moderate rain and snowfall are likely in most places of Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces until Saturday. Heavy rain and snowfall are also possible in one or two places in the high mountain and hill areas of Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces.
The rain and snowfall have made the weather colder than the previous day. The division has urged the public and concerned agencies to prepare, as landslides may occur in risk-prone areas and along roadsides. Road and air transport may also be disrupted.
Transport operators have been asked to decide whether to operate vehicles only after coordinating with the district police and administration.
Weather forecast for Friday to Monday
Friday (October 30)
Daytime: Mostly cloudy across the country. Thunder and lightning with moderate rain or snowfall are likely in most places of Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini. The same is likely in most of the Himalayan areas of Karnali and Sudurpaschim, and in many places in the rest of those provinces. Strong winds are possible in a few places in the Tarai of Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini. Heavy rain or snowfall is likely in a few places in Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini. One or two places in the Himalayan and hill areas of Karnali and Sudurpaschim may also see heavy rain or snowfall.
Night: Mostly cloudy across the country. Thunder and lightning with moderate rain or snowfall are likely in most places, and heavy rain or snowfall in a few places.
Saturday (October 31)
Daytime: Mostly cloudy in Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini and Karnali, and generally cloudy in Sudurpaschim. Thunder and lightning with moderate rain or snowfall are likely in many places in Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati and Gandaki, and in a few places in Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim. Heavy rain or snowfall is likely in a few places in Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati and Gandaki. One or two places in the Himalayan and hill areas of Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim may also see heavy rain or snowfall.
Night: Generally cloudy across the country. Thunder and lightning with moderate rain or snowfall are likely in a few places in the Himalayan and hill areas. One or two places in the Tarai may see thunder, lightning and moderate rain.
Sunday (November 1)
Partly cloudy across the country. Light rain or snowfall is likely in a few places in the Himalayan and hill areas. Mist or fog is likely in a few places in the Tarai, valleys and river basins in the early morning.
Monday (November 2)
Partly cloudy across the country. Light rain or snowfall is likely in one or two places in the Himalayan and hill areas. Mist or fog is likely in a few places in the Tarai, valleys and river basins in the early morning.
