KATHMANDU, June 1: The Meteorological Forecasting Division (MFD) under the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM), has stated that although the monsoon entered Nepal 15 days earlier than usual, it is expected to remain inactive for the next week.
The monsoon, which entered Nepal from the eastern region on Thursday night and spread across most parts of Koshi Province, is predicted to be inactive for a week, resulting in reduced rainfall and rising temperatures.
“Although the average monsoon onset date in Nepal is June 13, it entered from the eastern region as early as May 29. It has yet to spread to the rest of the country. The monsoon is now expected to remain inactive for the next seven days,” Meteorologist Hari Prasad Dahal said. “Heavy rainfall on the day it entered had already caused some impact in the eastern region.”
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Flood expert at the DHM, Binod Parajuli, stated that over 200 millimeters of rainfall was recorded in the eastern region on the very day the monsoon entered Nepal. He said the heavy rainfall caused rivers to swell, leading to flooding in some areas.
“The DHM has projected above-average rainfall during this year’s monsoon season,” he added. “Most parts of the country are likely to receive more rain than usual over the four-month monsoon period.”
According to the Meteorological Forecast Division, there is a 55 to 65 percent probability of above-average rainfall in the eastern parts of Karnali Province, the northern region of Lumbini Province, and most parts of Gandaki Province.
Parajuli further noted that the DHM has begun directly informing the media and stakeholders throughout the monsoon season to ensure better organization, effectiveness, and timely dissemination of hydrological and meteorological forecasts, alerts, and warnings.
“The DHM has started holding daily briefings at 11 am at its office, where information, forecasts, and warnings related to weather and hydrology across the country are shared,” said Parajuli. “All media outlets, government and private agencies, NGOs, and organizations involved in rescue and relief efforts have been facilitated to directly communicate with the DHM and access weather and water-related information.”
The DHM is also providing round-the-clock services through its toll-free numbers — 1155 for weather-related information and 1155 (same number) for flood-related updates.