Monsoon Rains Gaining Momentum in Nepal: Rainfall Expected Nationwide This Week

The heatwave and drought that have affected Nepal for days are finally coming to an end as the monsoon season gradually gains momentum. Meteorology experts announced that monsoon rains are becoming increasingly active and rainfall is expected across much of the country throughout this week. With this development, air temperatures are expected to drop noticeably, providing the local population with some relief from the scorching heat. This situation is also of great importance for agricultural areas, as the expected rainfall in some regions may reach sufficient levels for rice cultivation. Authorities are encouraging farmers to seize opportunities during this winter season and begin agricultural activities.

Citizens living in the lowland areas of Sudurpashchim and Lumbini provinces were exposed to extreme heat last Friday and Saturday. Rojan Lamichhane, a meteorologist from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, stated that people in these regions will breathe a sigh of relief with the approaching rains. According to Lamichhane, moderate rainfall is expected at a few locations in the plains of Lumbini Province on Tuesday, and these rains are expected to spread to much wider areas on Wednesday and Thursday. Additionally, while light rains are expected in Sudurpashchim Province between Sunday and Tuesday, heavy rainfall is forecasted in some areas from the middle of the week. Experts state that this situation will break the impact of the heatwave and provide great relief to the local population.

The eastern parts of Nepal are expected to receive more rainfall this week compared to the west. Meteorologist Ujjwal Upadhyay stated that intense and beneficial rainfall is expected starting from Tuesday in the belt between the Mechi River in the east and the Narayani River in the west. Upadhyay also emphasized that there is a high probability of highly effective rains in and around the Kathmandu Valley on Wednesday. It was also announced that moderate rainfall will continue until Thursday in the mountainous regions of Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpashchim provinces, with very heavy rainfall possible in some isolated locations. Local rains will also be seen in Madhesh, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces at the beginning of the week, and these rains are expected to spread to wider areas by mid-week.

It is recalled that this year's monsoon season entered the country six days later than normal, on 19 June through Koshi Province, and reached the east of Lumbini Province on 22 June. However, the monsoon winds remaining quite weak in recent days prevented steady rainfall, bringing hot and dry weather to a large part of Nepal. The temperature recorded at 40.1 degrees on Saturday at 15:20 in Baijapur, Banke district, went down in history as one of the highest temperature values of this scorching period. Meteorologist Dharmaraj Upreti added that the weakening monsoon has been slowly gathering strength in recent days and is expected to fully settle in western Nepal between 28 June and 1 July.

Experts predict that between 30 June and 2 July, the monsoon will intensify further, causing moderate to heavy rainfall in some areas, which will create ideal conditions for paddy cultivation. This week is expected to be bountiful for millions of people waiting for rain to escape the excessive heat and irrigate their fields and gardens. With the arrival of seasonal rains, farmers will act quickly to plant their rice seedlings in the soil. However, in the general assessment of the season, experts warn that below-average rainfall and above-average temperatures are expected during this year's monsoon period. Therefore, it is emphasized that despite the short-term relief, it is necessary to be cautious against long-term drought risks and regarding water management.