KATHMANDU: The weather in Bagmati, Madhesh, and Koshi provinces of Nepal is expected to be affected from Thursday to Saturday due to the cyclone ‘Montha’ developing in the Bay of Bengal.

According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM), the system is likely to bring moderate rainfall to many areas of Madhesh and Koshi provinces and some parts of Bagmati Province.

The department has also forecast the possibility of heavy rainfall in one or two locations in Madhesh and Koshi provinces.

Additionally, light rain is expected in a few eastern parts of Gandaki and Lumbini provinces.

As the system intensifies, moderate snowfall is also possible in some high hill and mountainous areas of Koshi and Bagmati provinces, as well as in a few high hill and mountainous areas of Gandaki Province.

There is also a possibility of heavy snowfall in one or two high hill and mountainous locations in Koshi and Bagmati provinces.

During this period, the flow of Bagmati, Kamala, Koshi, and Kankai rivers, along with their tributaries, is expected to increase significantly, potentially reaching alert levels.

Sudden surges may also occur in small rivers and streams originating from the Mahabharat and Chure ranges in Koshi, Bagmati, and Madhesh provinces.

The department specifically highlighted that small rivers in areas including Kathmandu Valley, Kavre, Sindhupalchok, Dolakha, Makwanpur, Chitwan, and Sindhuli in Bagmati Province; Bara, Parsa, Sarlahi, Rautahat, Mahottari, and Dhanusha in Madhesh Province; and Sankhuwasabha, Taplejung, Panchthar, Tehrathum, Bhojpur, Dhankuta, Ilam, Jhapa, Morang, and Sunsari in Koshi Province are at high risk of sudden surges.

The DHM cautioned that the anticipated rainfall and snowfall could lead to sudden flooding in rivers and streams, landslides, and impacts on daily life, road and air transport, agriculture, and tourism.

The department urged all relevant authorities and the general public to remain vigilant.