Rainfall brings temperature drop across Nepal, monsoon arrives early

KATHMANDU, June 13: Due to recent weather changes and scattered rainfall across the country, temperatures have gradually started to drop in some areas.

According to the Meteorological Forecasting Division under the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Nepal’s eastern region has experienced relatively higher rainfall over the past two days, leading to a noticeable drop in temperatures. While other regions remain hot, a gradual decrease in temperature is also expected.

Meteorologist Rojan Lamichhane stated that the temperature in the east has already decreased, while the western parts are still relatively hotter, though a declining trend is expected there too. He noted that western Nepal typically experiences higher temperatures compared to the east.

Lamichhane also reported that in the last few hours, there has been rainfall in several areas including the Kathmandu Valley, Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Ilam, Panchthar, Taplejung, Khotang, Sankhuwasabha, Solukhumbu, Dolakha, Kavre, Nuwakot, Gorkha, and Makwanpur. This pattern is expected to continue into Thursday and Friday, potentially causing further temperature drops compared to the past few days.

However, the division clarified that the current system does not support widespread, uniform rainfall across the country. Daytime heat will still be felt in most areas despite the ongoing rain.

In a weather bulletin issued Wednesday evening, the department stated:
"Since three hours before the issuance of this bulletin, light to moderate and isolated heavy rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning has been recorded in some areas of Koshi and Bagmati provinces. As the rain system moves southwestward, similar conditions are expected in surrounding areas. Light rainfall has also occurred in a few areas of Gandaki and Sudurpaschim provinces. As more regions may experience continued weather changes and rain, the public is advised to remain alert."

Monsoon Update

Meteorologist Lamichhane mentioned that the monsoon has not yet spread beyond Koshi Province and remains in the state it was on Jestha 15 (May 28). The department is closely monitoring the situation.

He said, "Favorable conditions for the monsoon are developing. We expect to have more clarity in the next few days. Once all criteria are met, the department will officially announce the monsoon’s arrival via bulletin."

The average onset date for the monsoon in Nepal is June 13. This year, however, it entered eastern Nepal 15 days earlier but later retreated back toward East Asia.