Key Takeaways:

• Heavy rainfall forecast for hilly districts of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini and Karnali
• Very heavy rain likely overnight in Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Madhesh and Lumbini Tarai
• Kathmandu and Pokhara face 80% probability of rainfall throughout day and night
• DHM urges public in flood- and landslide-prone areas to remain alert

KATHMANDU, AUGUST 2 The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall across parts of central and eastern Nepal on Sunday as the monsoon trough shifts northwards towards the southern plains, increasing the likelihood of intense downpours. According to the department, one or two places in the hilly districts of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini and Karnali provinces could receive heavy rainfall during the day. The risk is expected to intensify overnight, with very heavy rainfall likely at isolated places across Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces, Madhesh Province, and the hilly and Tarai areas of Lumbini Province. The Meteorological Forecasting Division said the country remains under the influence of active monsoon winds, while the trough currently lies slightly north of its average position, close to Nepal's Tarai-a pattern that typically favours widespread rainfall. Rain is expected nationwide, with light to moderate rainfall forecast for many hilly areas and several Tarai districts. Light to moderate snowfall or rainfall is also likely at some Himalayan locations. The department's city forecast indicates an 80% probability of rainfall in Kathmandu and Pokhara throughout the day and night. Other cities, including Dhankuta, Jiri and Taplejung, are also expected to witness persistent rainfall, while moderate rain is forecast across major urban centres such as Janakpur, Biratnagar, Nepalgunj, Dhangadhi and Bhairahawa. The DHM has advised the public, particularly those living in flood- and landslide-prone areas, to remain alert as heavy rainfall continues in several parts of the country.