Cyclone Arnab’s Impact to Increase in Nepal, Heavy Rain Likely

KATHMANDU: Nepal is likely to experience rainfall in several areas as the weakened Cyclone Arnab has developed into a low-pressure system, with heavy rain possible in some locations on Friday, meteorologist Binod Pokharel said.

Rain is expected to begin on Thursday afternoon, with the possibility of heavy rainfall increasing on Friday, Pokharel said. He advised people to remain alert from Thursday night until Saturday morning.

Clouds have begun appearing over Nepal under the influence of the cyclone, but rainfall had not started as of Thursday morning.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has also forecast that the system’s influence is likely to increase gradually from Thursday.

According to the department, most places in Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces could receive moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, along with snowfall, from October 29 to 31.

Many places in Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces could also experience moderate rainfall and snowfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and hail.

The department said heavy rainfall and snowfall were possible in a few places in Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces. One or two locations in the Himalayan and hilly areas of Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces could also experience heavy rainfall and snowfall.

Pokharel said the number of districts considered at risk in Thursday’s forecast had decreased compared with Wednesday’s forecast. However, the low-pressure system covers a large area, and its interaction with an upper-atmospheric low-pressure trough could result in heavy rainfall in many places.

He urged the public to follow regular weather updates and official advisories, noting that the location, timing and amount of rainfall could change.