KATHMANDU, MAY 24 The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) has forecast continued heat wave and hot day conditions in parts of western Nepal, while moderate rain and thunderstorms are likely in several hilly and Himalayan regions of the country. According to the Meteorological Forecasting Division, heat wave conditions are expected in the Terai areas of Sudurpashchim and Lumbini provinces, while hot day conditions are likely in the hilly regions of the two provinces on Sunday. The department stated that generally cloudy weather is likely over Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces, with chances of moderate rainfall and thunderstorms at a few places in the hilly and Himalayan regions of those provinces. Similar weather conditions are also likely at isolated places in Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces. Windstorms are also possible at a few places in the Terai districts of Madhesh and Koshi provinces. Among major cities, Dipayal, Dhangadi and Nepalgunj are likely to witness heat wave conditions with maximum temperatures ranging between 39 and 41 degrees Celsius. Birendranagar is expected to record temperatures between 37 and 39 degrees Celsius, while Bhairahawa and Ghorahi are likely to experience hot day conditions. Kathmandu and Pokhara are forecast to receive moderate rain with thundershowers, while eastern hill districts including Taplejung, Okhaldhunga and Jiri are also likely to witness rainfall. The DHM said Nepal is currently under the influence of westerly and local winds along with a low-pressure system near the eastern region of the country. Issuing a heat wave and hot day bulletin, the department said temperatures in some hilly and Terai areas of Sudurpashchim and Lumbini provinces have exceeded 40 degrees Celsius since May 6. Six districts, Kanchanpur, Kailali, Doti, Bardiya, Banke and Dang, have been placed under a 'Be Prepared' alert, while 11 other districts, including Surkhet, Palpa, Rupandehi and Kapilvastu, remain under a 'Be Updated' advisory. The department warned of possible health impacts such as fatigue, dehydration, dizziness, headache, nausea and muscle cramps. It has urged people to avoid direct sunlight during peak daytime hours, wear light cotton clothes, stay hydrated and seek medical attention if heat-related symptoms appear.