What we know
- The Meteorological Forecasting Division reports that cloudy skies will persist across the entire country today.
- Heavy rainfall is projected for isolated locations in the hilly and flatlands of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces, according to Online Khabar English.
- Moderate rain, thunder, lightning, and snowfall are expected to affect specific high-altitude Himalayan areas and lower hilly regions today.
What this means if you are travelling
- Trekkers in the Gandaki province, which includes the Annapurna region, should prepare for cloudy conditions, moderate rain, and potential thunder.
- Travellers planning to transit through the low-lying Tarai belts of Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini should anticipate localized heavy downpours that may affect road travel.
- Those trekking in high-altitude Himalayan zones of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim should be ready for wet weather or snow, and check local trail conditions with their guides.
Travellers across Nepal can expect generally cloudy skies today as the local weather patterns bring wet conditions to multiple regions. According to a report by Online Khabar English, the Meteorological Forecasting Division has indicated that heavy rain is likely to strike several parts of the country, particularly affecting four key provinces. This weather system is expected to persist through both the daytime and evening hours.
Detailed Regional Rain and Snow Forecast
The weather division notes that precipitation types will vary significantly depending on the altitude and the specific province. While low-lying areas will experience rain, the high-altitude Himalayan regions are preparing for a mix of rain and winter precipitation.
- In the Himalayan zones of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces, a few locations will experience moderate rain or snowfall accompanied by thunder and lightning.
- A handful of spots in the high-altitude areas of Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces are also expected to see moderate rain or snowfall.
- Hilly regions across Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, and Karnali provinces will face moderate rain with thunder and lightning in many areas today.
- The hilly sections of Sudurpaschim Province will experience moderate rain and thunder in only a few spots.
Conditions in the Tarai and Flatlands
The southern plains and lowlands, known as the Tarai, are also set to receive significant moisture today. Online Khabar English reported that many areas within the Tarai belts of Madhesh, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces will experience moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning.
Meanwhile, the Tarai regions of Koshi and Lumbini provinces will see these stormy conditions in only a few specific spots. The far-western Tarai region of Sudurpaschim Province is expected to remain the driest, with moderate rain and thunder predicted in only a handful of locations.
What This Means for Travel and Trekking Plans
Because the cloudy weather and rain are widespread, views of the mountains may be obscured in major trekking destinations today. Trekkers currently on route or preparing to depart should plan for wet trail conditions and potential delays due to thunder and lightning.
As the weather is expected to remain cloudy tonight with continued rain in the hills and plains, it is highly recommended to stay in contact with your trekking operator. Safety precautions should be taken when traversing steep hilly paths or driving through low-lying Tarai roads during heavy downpours.
Reported by
This update summarises reporting from the outlets below and adds our own planning guidance. Follow the links for the original reports.
Questions travellers are asking
Which provinces are expected to get heavy rain today?
According to the Meteorological Forecasting Division, heavy rain is possible at one or two locations in the hilly and Tarai regions of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces, as well as in Madhesh Province.
Is there any snow forecast for the high-altitude trekking routes?
Yes, moderate rain or snowfall accompanied by thunder and lightning is expected today at a few locations in the Himalayan regions of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini, and at a handful of spots in Karnali and Sudurpaschim.
Will the weather clear up by tonight?
The skies are expected to remain generally cloudy across the country tonight, with moderate rain or snowfall continuing in a few Himalayan spots, alongside moderate rain in some hilly and a few Tarai locations.
Are thunder and lightning expected alongside the rain?
Yes, thunder and lightning are expected to accompany the moderate rain and snowfall across many hilly, Tarai, and Himalayan locations throughout the day.