KATHMANDU, MARCH 23 Light rain accompanied by thunder and lightning is likely at several places across Nepal's hilly and Himalayan regions today, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM). In its 24-hour forecast issued at 8:00 am Monday, the department said the hilly and Himalayan regions will remain generally cloudy, while the Terai will experience partly cloudy conditions. There is a possibility of light rain or snowfall with thunder and lightning at a few places in Sudurpashchim and Karnali provinces, as well as in other hilly and Himalayan areas. Tonight, similar conditions are expected to persist, with chances of light rain or snowfall in parts of Koshi, Gandaki and Karnali provinces, and at one or two places elsewhere in the hills and mountains. The Terai region is likely to remain partly cloudy. According to the DHM, the current weather pattern is influenced by a partial effect of westerly winds along with local winds. In the Kathmandu Valley, light rain with thunderstorms is likely during the day, with maximum temperatures ranging between 21 and 23 degrees Celsius and a 20 percent chance of rainfall. During the night, similar conditions are expected, with minimum temperatures between 9 and 11 degrees Celsius and a 20 percent probability of rain.