KATHMANDU, Sept 17: This year's monsoon has brought above-average rainfall across Nepal. So far, 1,504.1 mm of rain has been recorded, with 15 days remaining in the monsoon season, which typically lasts from June 10 to October 2.
According to data from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, rainfall by mid-September this season has reached 101.6 percent of the long-term seasonal average. The long-term average rainfall for Nepal during the monsoon, based on 30 years of data, is 1,472 mm.
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Rainfall measurements from 20 locations, including Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Dharan, Pokhara, and Dhangadhi, show that most areas have received more rain than usual. For instance, Kathmandu saw over 1400 mm of rain, surpassing its average of 1000 mm. Biratnagar and Dharan received over 1600 mm, while their averages stood at 1200 mm and 1400 mm, respectively.
However, some places experienced less rain. Janakpur recorded 900 mm rainfall, below its average of 1100 mm. Pokhara, which typically receives 3000 mm, saw only 2800 mm.
Overall, the department had forecasted above-normal rainfall for much of the country, predicting a 35 to 55 percent chance of increased rain during this year's monsoon. Pre-monsoon and winter rainfall were below average, with only 173.4 mm and 12.5 mm recorded, respectively, against seasonal expectations.
Likewise, centers like Okhaldhunga, Jomsom, and Nepalgunj also reported higher-than-average rainfall, while locations such as Janakpur, Jiri, and Jumla saw below-average precipitation.
