KATHMANDU: Even as the monsoon has entered Nepal, heatwave conditions continue to threaten parts of the Terai, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology.

The department said that while rainfall activity is expected to increase across the country’s hilly and mountainous regions, temperatures in parts of the Terai remain high enough to pose a heatwave risk. One or two locations in the Terai belt of Lumbini Province are likely to experience heatwave conditions, with similar risks forecast for parts of Sudurpashchim Province.

Dhangadhi and Nepalgunj are expected to be the hottest areas on Tuesday. Maximum temperatures in Dhangadhi could reach between 38°C and 40°C, while Nepalgunj is likely to record temperatures ranging from 39°C to 41°C.

Hot-day conditions are also expected in Birendranagar, Ghorahi, and Bhairahawa.

Meanwhile, moderate rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning is forecast for several parts of the country, including Pokhara, Kathmandu, Okhaldhunga, Dhankuta, Biratnagar, Dharan, Jiri, and Taplejung. The department estimates a 40 percent chance of rainfall in Pokhara, Okhaldhunga, Dhankuta, Biratnagar, and Taplejung.

In the Kathmandu Valley, there is a 40 percent chance of moderate rain with thunder and lightning this afternoon and a 30 percent chance of light rainfall tonight. Daytime temperatures are expected to range between 29°C and 31°C, while nighttime temperatures could fall between 20°C and 22°C.

Meteorologist Sanjeev Adhikari said moderate rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning is likely across the hilly and mountainous regions of most provinces. Rainfall activity is expected to remain particularly active in Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces.

According to the department’s provincial forecast, many areas of Koshi Province—including its mountain, hill, and Terai regions—are likely to receive moderate rainfall with thunder and lightning. Similar weather conditions are expected in the hilly and mountainous areas of Bagmati and Gandaki provinces.

Madhesh Province is forecast to see partly cloudy conditions, with isolated thunderstorms and rainfall possible in a few locations. In contrast, parts of the Tarai in Bagmati and Gandaki provinces may experience both scattered rainfall and hot-day conditions.

Moderate rainfall with thunder and lightning is also likely in the hilly and mountainous areas of Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces. However, most Terai districts are expected to remain generally clear during the night.

The department has urged residents in areas vulnerable to heatwaves, thunderstorms, and lightning strikes to remain cautious and take necessary safety measures.