KATHMANDU, JULY 10 The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in several parts of the country on Friday night as the monsoon system gradually strengthens over Nepal. According to the department, heavy to very heavy rain is likely at a few places in the hilly districts of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces. One or two places in the Tarai of Koshi, Bagmati and Madhesh, as well as the hilly and Tarai regions of Lumbini and Sudurpashchim provinces, could also receive intense rainfall. The department said the country remains under the influence of monsoon winds, while the monsoon trough is currently positioned slightly north of its normal location and is expected to gradually shift closer to Nepal in the coming days. During the day, skies will remain generally to mostly cloudy nationwide. Light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning is likely at many places across the hills, with scattered rainfall expected in the Himalayan and Tarai regions. Heavy rainfall is also possible at one or two locations in the hilly areas, including the Tarai of Lumbini Province. The weather is expected to remain unsettled overnight, with widespread rain and thunderstorms forecast across the hill regions of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces, while scattered showers are also likely in Madhesh, the Tarai belts of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki, and parts of Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces. Among major cities, Kathmandu and Pokhara have an 80 percent chance of rain during both the day and night. Moderate rain with thunderstorms is also forecast for Biratnagar, Janakpur, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Dhangadhi, Birendranagar and other major urban centres. Maximum temperatures are expected to range between 27–29 degrees Celsius in Kathmandu and 34–36 degrees Celsius in Nepalgunj.