KATHMANDU, JULY 9 The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has forecast widespread rainfall across Nepal on Thursday, with heavy rain likely at one or two places in six provinces as monsoon activity strengthens. The department said the country will remain mostly cloudy throughout the day under the influence of active monsoon winds. Heavy rainfall is expected in the hilly regions of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces, raising the risk of localised flooding and landslides. Light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning is likely in many hilly and Himalayan areas, while parts of the Terai in Koshi, Lumbini and Sudurpashchim provinces, as well as Madhesh Province and the Terai belts of Bagmati and Gandaki, are also expected to receive showers. The weather is forecast to remain unsettled overnight, with rain extending to many parts of the hill region and scattered areas of the plains. Heavy rainfall is also likely at one or two places in Madhesh Province and the hilly and Terai regions of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces. According to the Meteorological Forecasting Division, the monsoon trough currently lies slightly north of its normal position and is expected to move closer to Nepal over the coming days, a development that could further strengthen rainfall activity. Among major cities, Kathmandu and Pokhara have a 70 percent probability of rain during both the day and night, while Dadeldhura, Dipayal, Dhangadhi and Birendranagar are also expected to witness widespread thundershowers.