KATHMANDU, MAY 23 Heat wave conditions are forecast to persist across the Terai regions of Sudurpashchim and Lumbini provinces on Saturday, with hot day conditions extending into their hilly areas, as the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology warned that parts of western Nepal could see maximum temperatures reach 40 degrees Celsius or above over the coming three days. MFD issued a Hot Day and Heat Wave Bulletin on Friday evening and noted that maximum temperatures had already exceeded 40 degrees Celsius at some stations in the hilly and Terai areas of Sudurpashchim and Lumbini provinces since May 6, with some stations in both provinces recording temperatures above 38 degrees Celsius. The department's Saturday forecast placed Dipayal, Dhangadi, and Nepalgunj under heat wave conditions, with maximum temperatures expected to range between 38 and 41 degrees Celsius in those cities. Birendranagar, Ghorahi, and Bhairahawa were forecast to experience hot day conditions, with highs ranging from 34 to 39 degrees Celsius. Six districts, Kanchanpur, Kailali, Doti, Bardiya, Banke, and Dang, have been placed on 'Be Prepared' alert, while eleven districts including Baitadi, Dadeldhura, Achham, Surkhet, Salyan, Rolpa, Pyuthan, Palpa, Arghakhanchi, Rupandehi, and Kapilvastu are under 'Be Updated' advisory. The bulletin warned of likely health impacts including fatigue, weakness, intense thirst, headache, dizziness, nausea, unconsciousness, and muscle cramps. Authorities have advised the public to stay indoors during peak heat hours, avoid direct sun exposure, wear light cotton clothing, cover the head when going outside, and drink adequate water and fluids regularly. People with heat-related health concerns have been urged to consult medical professionals. Elsewhere in the country on Saturday, generally cloudy conditions are forecast over Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces, with moderate rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning possible at several locations in the hilly and Himalayan regions of those provinces as well as parts of Madhesh Province. Nepal is currently under the combined influence of westerly winds, local winds, and a low-pressure area near the eastern region of the country. Kathmandu is forecast to see moderate rain with thundershowers, with a maximum temperature of 29 to 31 degrees Celsius and a 40 percent probability of precipitation through the day and into the night.