KATHMANDU: The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has said that a weather system bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall is gradually moving eastward, affecting large parts of the country including the Kathmandu Valley, Bagmati Province, and Madhes Province.

According to the department, moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds is currently occurring in several districts of Karnali and Lumbini provinces. Meteorologist Sanjeev Adhikari said the rain-bearing system that originated in the far-west is steadily shifting east.

The department noted that the active weather system is expected to bring widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds across the country. The wind speed in some areas may reach up to 40 kilometers per hour, with effects lasting for around two hours in certain locations.

Officials said the system, which began in Sudurpaschim Province, has already spread through Lumbini and reached Bagmati and Madhes provinces. While heavy rainfall is likely in some areas today, conditions are expected to ease later in the evening. However, the weather system is forecast to remain active throughout the week.

The department attributed the current weather pattern to the combined influence of westerly winds, local wind systems, and a low-pressure area near the eastern region. A low-pressure trough extending east to west across southern Nepal is also affecting the weather.

Sudurpaschim Province is currently under complete cloud cover, while Koshi, Karnali, Lumbini (western parts), and hilly and Himalayan regions are experiencing partial to generally cloudy conditions. Moderate rainfall with thunderstorms is being observed in some areas of Sudurpaschim.

Weather outlook

For the afternoon, the department has forecast generally cloudy to fully overcast conditions nationwide. Moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, strong winds, and hail is likely in parts of Sudurpaschim, Karnali, Lumbini, and some hilly and Terai regions. One or two locations in these provinces may experience heavy rainfall.

At night, skies are expected to remain generally cloudy across the country, with chances of thunderstorms and rainfall in some hilly, Himalayan, and a few Terai areas.

Forecast for Tuesday

Moderate rainfall is likely in some areas of Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces, while isolated rainfall may occur in other regions. Nighttime conditions will remain cloudy with scattered thunderstorms.
Forecast for Wednesday

Cloudy conditions are expected to persist in Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, and other hilly and Himalayan regions. Moderate rainfall with thunderstorms is likely in several areas, while light rainfall may occur in parts of the Terai.

The department has urged the public to remain cautious against potential damage from strong winds, lightning, and heavy rainfall.