Impact of Cyclone ‘Arnab’: Warning of Heavy Rain and Snowfall
KATHMANDU:- Currently, the country is experiencing the partial influence of westerly winds, alongside the impact of Cyclone ‘Arnab’—which developed over the Bay of Bengal—affecting various parts of the nation since yesterday.
According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, the sky across the country is generally cloudy today. Light rain is occurring in the hilly regions of Koshi and Bagmati provinces, as well as in some areas within the Terai and Madhesh provinces.
The Department forecasts that the sky will be mostly cloudy in most places this afternoon. Moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning, as well as snowfall, is expected in many areas across Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces, as well as in most high-altitude (himalayan) regions of Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces. Rain is also expected in Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces.
There is a possibility of strong winds in some areas within the Terai regions of Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces. Additionally, heavy rainfall—accompanied by snowfall in one or two locations—is possible in parts of Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces, as well as in the Himalayan and hilly regions of Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces.
Similarly, tonight, most parts of the country are expected to be cloudy, with a likelihood of moderate rainfall and snowfall, accompanied by thunder and lightning. The Department forecasts that heavy rainfall and snowfall may occur in some areas.
The Division has stated that there is a possibility of moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, as well as snowfall, in most parts of the country today and tomorrow. Furthermore, heavy rain is expected in some areas of Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces, with the potential for very heavy rain and snowfall in one or two locations. There is also a possibility of heavy rain and snowfall in some high-altitude and hilly areas of Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces.
Citing the possibility of rain, the Department has advised against conducting agricultural activities—such as harvesting paddy—today and tomorrow. It has also urged caution due to the risk of heavy snowfall, blizzards, and avalanches in the high hilly and Himalayan regions, and has requested that tourists avoid traveling to these high-altitude areas. Furthermore, tourists already present in such regions are advised to remain in a safe location until weather conditions improve.
The Department has urged the general public and relevant authorities to exercise caution and make necessary preparations, as the rain may lead to a drop in temperature, trigger landslides in vulnerable areas and along roadsides, and disrupt daily life—including road and air transportation.
