KATHMANDU, JUNE 22 The monsoon remains confined to parts of eastern Nepal, while heatwave conditions have intensified across sections of the western Tarai, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM). The department said monsoon winds are currently affecting some parts of Koshi Province, while westerly and local winds continue to influence weather conditions in the rest of the country. Generally cloudy conditions are expected over the hilly and Himalayan regions and parts of Koshi Province, with moderate rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning likely at several places in Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces. Isolated rainfall is also forecast in parts of Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces. Heavy rainfall is likely at one or two places in Koshi Province tonight, prompting authorities to advise caution in vulnerable areas. Meanwhile, heatwave conditions are expected to persist in parts of Lumbini and Sudurpashchim provinces. Temperatures are forecast to reach 39-41 degrees Celsius in Nepalgunj and 38-40 degrees Celsius in Dhangadhi, making them among the hottest places in the country today. Hot day conditions are also likely in parts of Bagmati and Gandaki Tarai regions. Bhairahawa is expected to record temperatures of 37-39 degrees Celsius, while Ghorahi and Birendranagar could see mercury rise to 35-38 degrees Celsius. Among major cities, Pokhara and Kathmandu are likely to witness moderate rain with thundershowers, with rain probabilities of up to 60 percent tonight. Similar weather conditions are forecast for Dhankuta, Dharan, Biratnagar and Taplejung. The department has urged the public to remain cautious of possible thunderstorms, heavy rainfall in eastern areas and rising temperatures in the western and central Tarai.