Kathmandu, June 27
Over the past few days, rainfall has been occurring primarily at night across several regions of Nepal. While the days remain hot and sunny, the nights are marked by downpours. But what’s behind this pattern?
Meteorologist Govinda Jha explains, “This is a typical characteristic of the monsoon. Rainfall tends to be heavier during the night than during the day in the monsoon season. It’s a normal phenomenon.”
This year’s monsoon entered Nepal on June 28 (Jestha 15), making landfall through Koshi Province. Within 23 days, it had spread to the far-western regions. However, the monsoon is currently not very active, though some areas are experiencing significant rainfall.
Last night, heavy rain was reported in Lumle of Kaski and Khudibazar of Lamjung. Kathmandu also saw notable rainfall, leading to rising water levels in the Bagmati, Bishnumati, and Dhobi Khola. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology issued SMS alerts urging the public to stay alert.
According to Jha, intermittent moderate to heavy rain has been occurring in hilly regions across the country, with the exception of the Tarai-Madhesh region.
Low-pressure system developing
The monsoon appears relatively weak at present due to the absence of a strong low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal and southern India. However, Jha says this is expected to change in the coming days, with rainfall likely to increase even in the Tarai-Madhesh areas.
“The monsoon is gradually becoming well-organised. The monsoon trough is also developing, and its position determines which areas receive more rainfall,” Jha said. “Given the current pattern, widespread rainfall is expected across the country soon.”
According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, most parts of the country are currently experiencing partial to generally cloudy skies. By afternoon, hilly areas of Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, Sudurpaschim, and other provinces are expected to see moderate cloud cover, with the rest experiencing partly to generally cloudy conditions.
There is a likelihood of light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning in some hilly areas of the mentioned provinces, and isolated places in other regions.
Additionally, isolated heavy rainfall is likely in hilly areas of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces.
Tonight, partial to generally cloudy skies are expected across the country. Thunderstorms with light to moderate rainfall are likely in some areas of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, and Sudurpaschim provinces, with isolated heavy rain expected in these regions.
