KATHMANDU, JUNE 26 Scorching temperatures will continue to grip parts of western Nepal's Tarai on Friday, even as the monsoon gradually strengthens across the rest of the country, the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) has said. The DHM has issued a heatwave warning for several districts in Lumbini and Sudurpaschim provinces. Nepalgunj is expected to hover between 38–40 degrees Celsius, while Dhangadhi may see 37–39 degrees Celsius. Bhairahawa could touch a sweltering 40 degrees Celsius, with Birendranagar and Ghorahi also bracing for hot daytime conditions. Meanwhile, monsoon activity will bring moderate rainfall, thunder, and lightning to much of the country. The hilly and Himalayan belts of Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces are likely to receive moderate showers, with similar weather expected in select areas of the Koshi and Madhesh Tarai, as well as the hill regions of Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim. The Kathmandu Valley will not be spared from thundershowers, with daytime maximum temperatures forecast between 29 and 31 degrees Celsius. According to the DHM, monsoon winds are currently active across all of Koshi, Madhesh, and Bagmati provinces, along with parts of Gandaki and eastern Lumbini. The rest of the country remains under the partial influence of westerly and local winds. Looking ahead to Friday night, the weather will turn generally cloudy over Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini, with moderate thunderstorms likely in multiple locations. Karnali and Sudurpaschim will see partly cloudy skies, though their hilly and mountainous areas could experience light to moderate rain. The meteorological office has urged residents in heatwave-affected districts to take precautions against extreme heat exposure, while also advising people in other regions to stay alert for possible thunderstorms and heavy downpours.