KATHMANDU:- Despite the arrival of the monsoon reaching as far as the Gandaki province and parts of Lumbini, it remains largely inactive, resulting in a persistent dry spell and high temperatures across the country.
The western Tarai region is experiencing mostly intense heat, with Banke recording a maximum temperature of 39.4 degrees Celsius, while Dhangadhi and Mahendranagar are seeing temperatures in the 38 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius range. Meteorologists said that while there have been some isolated showers due to local effects in areas such as Jhapa, Jomsom and Rolpa, most of the country, especially the central and western Tarai, is expected to remain dry for at least another day.
Speaking to The Rising Nepal, Barun Paudel, meteorologist at the Meteorological Forecasting Division under the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) said the monsoon has yet to become active and has not advanced into western parts of the country. According to Paudel, rainfall is expected mainly in eastern part of the country, Madhes Province and some hilly areas around Kathmandu over the next few days.
However, significant rainfall is unlikely in the Tarai, especially in the western and central regions, for at least another one to two days. “The monsoon is still in its early stage and has not entered the country actively. As a result, weather conditions are still similar to the pre-monsoon period, with high temperatures across much of the country,” he said.
He added that very little rain was recorded across the country on Wednesday, with only isolated showers reported in a few places.
Poudel said it is too early to attribute the weak monsoon conditions to El Nino, although prolonged dry spells could be influenced by broader climatic factors.
“At this stage, we cannot say for certain, but such factors may also be contributing to the dry conditions,” he said.
He added that eastern Tarai districts have also remained hot, although some areas have received limited rainfall due to monsoon winds. Despite the arrival of the monsoon, hot weather continues to prevail across most parts of the country.