Key Takeaways:

• Monsoon trough remains close to average position, influencing weather nationwide
• Light to moderate rain with thunder likely in hilly and Himalayan regions
• Heavy rain forecast in Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Karnali district
• Authorities urge vigilance in flood- and landslide-prone areas

KATHMANDU, JULY 23 The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has forecast generally cloudy conditions across the country's hilly and mountainous regions on Thursday, with chances of light to moderate rainfall and thunderstorms in several areas. According to the Meteorological Forecasting Division, monsoon winds continue to influence weather across Nepal, while the monsoon trough remains close to its average position. The department said light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning is likely at some places in the hilly and Himalayan regions. Similar weather is expected at a few locations in the Terai districts of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces, and at isolated places in Madhesh and Sudurpashchim provinces. Heavy rainfall is forecast at one or two places in the hilly districts of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Karnali provinces during the day, prompting authorities to urge caution in flood- and landslide-prone areas. For Thursday night, generally cloudy conditions are expected to persist over the hills and mountains, while the Terai is likely to remain partly cloudy. Light to moderate rainfall with thunder and lightning is forecast at a few places across the hilly, Himalayan and Terai regions. The department has also warned of heavy rainfall at one or two locations in the Himalayan districts of Koshi and Gandaki provinces overnight. Among major cities, Pokhara, Taplejung and Jiri are expected to witness a higher probability of rainfall, while Kathmandu is likely to record moderate rain and thundershowers with temperatures ranging between 29°C and 31°C during the day and 20°C to 22°C at night. The department has advised the public, particularly those travelling through mountainous and landslide-prone areas, to remain alert due to the possibility of localized heavy rainfall and weather-related disruptions.