KATHMANDU: The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) has forecast moderate snowfall in some high hilly and Himalayan areas of Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces on Wednesday.

According to the department, a few places in the high hills and Himalayan regions of Koshi and Bagmati provinces are also likely to experience heavy snowfall.

The DHM stated that during this period, the water levels of major rivers such as the Bagmati, Kamala, Koshi, and Kankai, along with their tributaries, are expected to rise significantly.

The department has cautioned that these rivers may reach near-alert levels, and sudden surges are possible in small rivers and streams flowing through the Mahabharat and Chure ranges in Koshi, Bagmati, and Madhesh provinces.

Similarly, the risk of sudden floods remains high in small rivers and streams flowing through several districts — including Kathmandu Valley, Kavre, Sindhupalchok, Dolakha, Makwanpur, Chitwan, and Sindhuli of Bagmati Province; Bara, Parsa, Sarlahi, Rautahat, Mahottari, Dhanusha, and Saptari of Madhesh Province; and Sankhuwasabha, Taplejung, Panchthar, Tehrathum, Bhojpur, Dhankuta, Ilam, Jhapa, Morang, and Sunsari of Koshi Province.

The department has warned that possible rainfall and snowfall may trigger sudden floods, landslides, and other hazards, potentially affecting daily life, road and air transport, agriculture, and tourism activities.

Meanwhile, Cyclone ‘Montha’ — which developed over the Bay of Bengal — is expected to make landfall in Andhra Pradesh, India.

Afterward, the cyclone’s impact will gradually weaken as it moves north-northwest, turning into a low-pressure system near central Nepal and shifting eastward, according to the department.