KATHMANDU, JUNE 23 The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has forecast generally cloudy conditions over the hilly and Himalayan regions of the country and the Tarai of Koshi Province today, with moderate rainfall and thunderstorms likely in several areas. According to the department, moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning is likely at a few places in the hilly and mountainous regions of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces and at one or two places in Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces. Light to moderate rainfall is also expected in parts of Koshi Tarai and isolated areas of Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini Tarai. The department has also warned of heatwave conditions in some parts of the Tarai of Lumbini and Sudurpashchim provinces, while hot day conditions are likely in the Tarai areas of Bagmati and Gandaki provinces. Meteorologists said monsoon winds are currently affecting all areas of Koshi, Madhesh and Bagmati provinces, parts of Gandaki Province and some eastern areas of Lumbini Province. The rest of the country remains under the partial influence of westerly and local winds. Among major cities, moderate rain and thundershowers are forecast for Kathmandu, Pokhara, Biratnagar, Okhaldhunga and Taplejung. Kathmandu's maximum temperature is expected to range between 29 and 31 degrees Celsius, while Pokhara may record between 31 and 33 degrees Celsius. Heatwave conditions are likely in Nepalgunj and Dhangadi, where temperatures could reach 41 degrees Celsius and 40 degrees Celsius, respectively. Hot day conditions are also forecast for Birendranagar, Bhairahawa and Ghorahi. For tonight, generally cloudy conditions are expected to persist over the hilly and Himalayan regions of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces and the Tarai of Koshi Province, with moderate rain and thunderstorms likely in several areas of these provinces.