Key Takeaways:
- Cyclone Arnab likely to bring heavy rain and snowfall from Thursday
- Koshi Bagmati and Gandaki expected to face the strongest impacts
- Snowstorm and avalanche risks increase in high Himalayan areas
- Kathmandu and several eastern districts forecast to receive rain and thunderstorms
Cyclone Arnab is set to bring heavy rain, snowfall and thunderstorms across large parts of Nepal from Thursday, prompting warnings of flood risks in the lowlands and possible snowstorms and avalanches in high-altitude regions.
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology said the cyclone, which developed over the Bay of Bengal, will combine with westerly winds to produce widespread cloudy conditions and significant precipitation across the country.
The heaviest impacts are expected in Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces, where heavy rain or snowfall is likely in some Himalayan and hilly areas from Thursday night. Parts of Madhesh, Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces are also forecast to receive rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds.
Conditions are expected to intensify overnight, with heavy rainfall possible in parts of Madhesh and the hills and Tarai of Gandaki and Lumbini provinces. High-mountain districts face additional risks from snowfall and deteriorating trekking and climbing conditions.
Kathmandu is forecast to receive light rain during the day before rainfall intensifies at night. Several eastern hill districts, including Okhaldhunga, Dhankuta, Jiri and Taplejung, are expected to experience moderate rain and thunderstorms, while Pokhara, Bhairahawa and Simara could also see wet weather.
Authorities have urged residents, travellers and trekkers to remain alert and monitor weather updates as the cyclone's effects spread across Nepal.