Nepal braces for heavy rain, snowfall as Bay of Bengal cyclone influences weather

According to the Nepal Meteorological Department, weather conditions are likely to become increasingly unsettled from midweek, with rain and snowfall expected in parts of the Himalayan and hilly regions over the next five days.

Nepal is expected to witness moderate to heavy rainfall and snowfall later this week as westerly winds and a developing cyclone in the Bay of Bengal influence the Himalayan nation's weather, an official said on Monday.

"The weather will remain mostly clear across most parts of the country on Monday, although the Himalayan region will witness some cloud cover," Rojan Lamichhane, a meteorologist at the department, said.

By Monday night, clouds are expected to develop in the Himalayan and hilly regions of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces as the country comes under the partial influence of westerly winds, he said.

On Tuesday, partial cloud cover is expected in Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces, as well as the Himalayan regions of Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces.

The chances of rain and snowfall are likely to increase from Wednesday, particularly in the Himalayan and hilly regions, Lamichhane said.

He said a cyclone developing over the Bay of Bengal is also expected to influence Nepal's weather, increasing the possibility of rainfall across various parts of the country.

"During the period from Thursday to Friday, there is an increasing possibility of moderate rain in many places, while some places may receive heavy rain and very heavy rain may also occur at one or two places," he said.

The department cautioned that the changing weather conditions could affect travel and outdoor activities, particularly in mountainous areas.

It urged tourists, trekkers and mountaineers to exercise caution and regularly follow the latest weather forecasts.

Rain and snowfall could also disrupt daily activities as well as road and air transport in affected areas, the department said.