Key Takeaways:
- Heavy rain likely in hilly areas of Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, Sudurpashchim
- Moderate rain with thunderstorms expected nationwide, including Koshi, Bagmati, Madhesh
- Kathmandu forecast: 27–29°C, 40% chance of rain today, 60% tonight
- Tarai cities hot: Simara/Janakpur 34–36°C, Bhairahawa 33–35°C, Pokhara 70% chance of rain
KATHMANDU, AUGUST 17
Heavy rain is forecast in parts of four provinces, with Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpashchim likely to see intense rainfall in their hilly areas as the monsoon trough moves north of its normal position.
The Meteorological Forecasting Division said heavy rainfall is likely at one or two places in the hilly regions of Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpashchim, as well as in the Terai areas of Lumbini and Sudurpashchim.
Moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning is expected at many places in the mountainous and hilly regions of the four provinces, while similar conditions are likely at a few places in the hills of Koshi and Bagmati.
The Tarai regions of Gandaki, Lumbini and Sudurpashchim are also likely to receive moderate rain with thunderstorms at many places. A few places in the Tarai of Madhesh, Koshi and Bagmati may also receive rain and thunderstorms.
Rain likely across the country
Generally cloudy conditions are expected throughout the country, with moderate rain and thunderstorms likely at several places. At night, moderate rain, thunderstorms and snowfall are possible at a few places in the mountainous and hilly regions.
Despite the widespread rain forecast, temperatures could still reach 34–36°C in parts of the central and eastern Tarai. Simara and Janakpur are expected to record maximum temperatures in that range, while Bhairahawa could reach 33–35°C.
Kathmandu is forecast to see moderate rain with thunderstorms, with a maximum temperature of 27–29°C and a 40% chance of rain today. The chance of rain rises to 60% tonight, when temperatures are expected to fall to 20–22°C.
Pokhara has a 70% chance of rain today, with temperatures reaching 30–32°C, while Jiri has a 60% chance of rain and thunderstorms and a forecast high of 23–25°C.
The weather system is being driven by the monsoon winds, with the monsoon trough currently positioned north of its normal location, according to the division.