Key Takeaways:

• Heavy to very heavy rain forecast in Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini and Sudurpashchim
• Low-pressure system over Bay of Bengal driving intensified monsoon
• Pokhara, Dhangadhi, Dipayal, Biratnagar and Dharan likely to see heavy downpours

KATHMANDU, JULY 19 The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) has issued a special monsoon bulletin warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall across Nepal over the next two days, raising risks of floods, landslides and urban inundation. Active monsoon conditions are expected on July 19 and 20, with widespread rainfall forecast across the Himalayan, hilly and Tarai regions. Heavy downpours are likely in Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces, particularly in the Himalayan and hilly belts, while Lumbini and Sudurpashchim may see intense rainfall in both hilly and Tarai areas. One or two locations in Madhesh Province and the Tarai regions of Bagmati and Gandaki could also experience very heavy rain. The weather office attributed the intensified activity to a low-pressure system developing over the Bay of Bengal and the monsoon trough remaining north of its average position near Nepal's Tarai. For Sunday, mostly cloudy skies are expected nationwide, with light to moderate rain and thunderstorms at most places. Heavy rainfall is forecast to persist overnight in Koshi, Gandaki, Lumbini, Sudurpashchim and parts of Bagmati and Madhesh. Among major cities, Pokhara, Dhangadhi, Dipayal, Biratnagar and Dharan are likely to see heavy downpours, while Kathmandu is forecast to receive moderate rain and thundershowers with an 80 per cent chance of precipitation. Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert, warning that intense rainfall could trigger landslides in hilly districts, flash floods in river basins and waterlogging in low-lying urban areas. Travellers, local governments and disaster response agencies have been advised to take precautions as the active monsoon system is expected to affect large parts of the country through Monday.