Key Takeaways:

• Heavy rain likely in hilly areas of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Karnali
• Light to moderate rain or snowfall with thunderstorms forecast in Himalayan areas of multiple provinces
• Kathmandu 28–30°C, Pokhara 29–31°C, both with moderate rain and thundershowers
• Monsoon trough south of normal position, raising risks of flooding and landslides

KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 18 Most parts of Nepal are expected to remain generally cloudy on Friday, with light to moderate rain and thunderstorms forecast across the mountains, hills and some parts of the Tarai, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. The department said light to moderate rain or snowfall is likely at some places in the Himalayan areas of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki, and at a few places in the Himalayan areas of Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpashchim. Heavy rainfall is possible at one or two places in the Himalayan and hilly areas of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki, and in the hilly areas of Karnali Province. Tonight, generally cloudy conditions are expected to continue, with rain or snowfall likely in Himalayan areas of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Karnali, and isolated rainfall in Lumbini and Sudurpashchim. Rain with thunder and lightning is also forecast at some places in Madhesh Province and the Tarai areas of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini and Sudurpashchim. Kathmandu is expected to see moderate rain with thunderstorms during the day, with a maximum temperature of 28–30°C and a minimum of 18–20°C at night. Pokhara may record 29–31°C with a 60% chance of rain, while Nepalgunj, Bhairahawa and Janakpur could reach 34–36°C. Biratnagar is forecast at 33–35°C. Among cooler locations, Jumla is expected to record 24–26°C during the day and 10–12°C at night, while Jomsom may remain between 20–22°C during the day and 12–14°C at night. The department said Nepal is currently under the influence of monsoon winds, with partial influence of westerly winds, and the monsoon trough is positioned south of its normal location. Authorities have advised caution in areas at risk of localised flooding, landslides and travel disruption.