Rain across country likely to continue for a day or two

KATHMANDU, July 7

The prevailing widespread rainfall activity is likely to continue throughout the country for a day or two, the Meteorological Forecasting Division said today.

According to a special forecast published by the MFD, a low pressure area has developed in the coastal West Bengal and adjoining areas due to which a rainfall producing system is likely to concentrate in the eastern parts of the county from tonight with potential of heavy rain, increasing the risk of flash flooding and landslides.

However, intermittent rainfall activities are still possible across the country.

“Isolated heavy downpour is expected at a few places of the eastern and central regions, giving rise to the risk of landslides and floods. This system will be also accompanied by severe thunderstorms at a few places of those regions,” the MFD warned.

All 19 meteorological stations recorded rainfall today. Dhangadi recorded the highest 24-hour rainfall ending at 8:45am with 62:6mm followed by Dadeldhura (25mm), Dipayal (10.1mm), Pokhara (9.7mm), Taplejung (7.2mm) and Kathmandu (6.3mm).

The onset of this year’s monsoon was officially declared on June 13 — three days later than the normal date of monsoon onset — after the rain-bearing system built up and entered the eastern parts of the country. Monsoon generally starts on June 10 and spreads over the country in a few days, and remains effective till September 23 in Nepal. Nepal receives an average of 80 per cent of annual rainfall during the monsoon.