Key Takeaways:

• Monsoon trough lies north of normal, keeping Nepal under active winds
• Heavy rain likely in Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini hilly districts
• Kathmandu, Pokhara 60–70% rainfall probability during day and night
• DHM urges vigilance in flood- and landslide-prone areas, highways at risk

KATHMANDU, AUGUST 4 The focus of the monsoon has shifted towards eastern Nepal, with forecasters warning of heavy rainfall in parts of Koshi and Madhesh provinces while conditions are expected to be relatively less intense across much of the rest of the country. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) said the country remains under the influence of monsoon winds, with the monsoon trough lying slightly north of its normal position near the Terai. Heavy rainfall is likely at one or two places in the Himalayan and hilly districts of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces, and in the hilly region of Lumbini during the day. Light to moderate rain, accompanied by thunder and lightning, is forecast for parts of the Terai, particularly in Koshi and neighbouring provinces. The risk is expected to increase overnight, with heavy rainfall possible in parts of Koshi and Madhesh as well as the Himalayan and hilly regions of Bagmati and Gandaki. Light to moderate rain is forecast across many hilly and Terai areas of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces. Among major cities, Kathmandu and Pokhara have a 60 percent chance of rain during the day, while rainfall probability rises to 70 percent overnight in Pokhara, Biratnagar, Dharan, Dhankuta, Okhaldhunga, Jiri and Taplejung. The department has advised residents in areas vulnerable to floods and landslides, as well as travellers using highways through hilly districts, to remain alert as localised heavy rainfall could trigger slope failures and temporarily disrupt transport.