In Kathmandu also, which has recorded less rainfall compared to the four other regional meteorological stations, locals have been experiencing almost incessant rainfall, though sometimes only in drizzles, in the past few days. Kathmandu has already received more than average rain.
As of Monday, Kathmandu has received a total of 389.4 mm of rain this month, more than the August average of 319.6 mm. In 2003, the Meteorological Forecasting Division (MFD) had recorded 544.8 mm in August, the highest amount for that month and 225 mm higher than the August average.
Although MFD records show that the total rainfall for this August in Kathmandu has already surpassed the average, locals have not experienced heavy downpours as yet. Weather experts say this has to do with apparent changes of pattern in the monsoon rains.
"This year´s rainfall pattern in Kathmandu Valley has changed slightly," MFD meteorologist Sudeep Kayastha explained. "Unlike in past rainy seasons, it is raining mostly during the night. Also, the rain is scattered and not focused on a particular place for long."
According to senior meteorologist Rajendra Shrestha, this year´s monsoon, which entered Nepal on August 16, has finally reached its fullest strength along the Himalayan range, which includes northern parts of India.
"Monsoon clouds recently covered the skies along the Himalayan range," Shrestha said. "It has resulted in downpours in most parts of the country." Shrestha, who ruled out the possibility of cloud-bursts, said the monsoon would remain fully active for a few more days.
According to MFD, of the five regional weather stations, Pokhara recorded the heaviest rainfall of 256.6 mm on Monday. Similarly, Dhankuta and Birendranagar recorded 58 mm and 31 mm respectively. Kathmandu Valley recorded the lowest amount of 3.6 mm, and Dadeldhura the second lowest, 4.8 mm.
Shrestha says that the monsoon will start becoming less intense after a couple of days. Although the monsoon, caused by temperature differences between sea and land, generally stays over Nepal until the third week of September, it will start loosing its strength.
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