KATHMANDU: The monsoon, which arrived in Nepal on May 28 and spread across the country by June 20, is likely to be prolonged this year.

According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, the monsoon became active again from October 2 (Thursday), even though it was in its late phase. Senior meteorologist Min Kumar Aryal said that although June 13 is the tentative date for the monsoon’s arrival in Nepal, this year it arrived 15 days earlier. Similarly, its withdrawal is also likely to be delayed.

Due to the influence of the monsoon, local winds, and the monsoon trough developed in the Bay of Bengal, very heavy rains are expected over the next few days, starting this afternoon.

A downpour has been forecast for Saturday and Sunday, and the weather is expected to improve from Monday. “After that, the impact of the westerly winds will determine the situation and an exit time of the monsoon,” Aryal added.

This year, the monsoon entered Nepal from the eastern part and spread nationwide by June 20.