The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has forecasted that from this Friday through Saturday, western winds will become active, potentially bringing light to moderate rain along with storms. Meteorologists suggest that the Kathmandu Valley might experience light rainfall and storms during this period as well. Kathmandu, 26 March – Toward the end of this week, the western winds are expected to become active again, leading to light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms. Various weather forecast models predict rainfall across Nepal, extending from east to west, though the impact is expected to be stronger in the eastern region and lighter in the west. Meteorologists at the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology have similarly projected the possibility of rainfall on Friday and Saturday.
Senior meteorologist Barun Paudel of the department stated that light to moderate rainfall is likely in the Kathmandu Valley on Friday and Saturday. Earlier on 19 and 20 March, the valley and most other regions experienced storms and hail along with rainfall. Some mountainous districts also received snowfall. While the rain provided relief to farmers, hail and storms caused certain difficulties. Recent satellite images show dense cloud cover over India and surrounding areas, which may influence weather in Nepal. Meteorologist Binu Maharjan explained that the system’s effects will begin to appear from Thursday onward, with rainfall expected on Friday and Saturday. She noted, “Signs of this are already visible starting Thursday.”
According to Maharjan, light to moderate rainfall is expected at many locations. During the pre-monsoon period, the risk of storms and lightning increases, and therefore, caution is advised. The new system, which is expected to bring storms, hail, rain, and even snowfall, is likely to also cause a noticeable drop in temperatures. Its effects are expected to include the Kathmandu Valley. Meteorologist Dr. Vinod Pokharel mentioned that there might be slight rainfall in the western Terai region, with light to moderate rainfall elsewhere. Climate analyst Dr. Dharmaraj Upreti stated that strong winds are expected in the Kathmandu Valley during the evening as the rain arrives, though heavy storms are unlikely due to the valley being surrounded by hills.
He said, “As the system advances from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in India toward Nepal, greater influence is expected in the Lumbini–Chitwan area, while the Kathmandu Valley is likely to experience less impact.” He added, “Even then, the effects will be temporary and moderate.” Rain and snowfall are also probable in the high mountainous regions. Regarding the system’s intensity, it is expected to be less powerful compared to the system of 19 and 20 March. Maharjan noted, “Based on current observations, this system appears less intense than the previous one.” Dr. Upreti also mentioned that weather forecasting institutions in the European Union, Germany, and India anticipate light to moderate rainfall on Friday and Saturday.
The rainfall impact seems likely to be more pronounced in eastern Nepal and less in the west, whereas the storm risk is expected to be higher in western regions and lower in eastern areas. Upreti stated, “The effects will likely persist from Friday evening through Saturday afternoon. In the Kathmandu Valley, there is a chance of storms and rainfall on Friday evening.”
According to the Indian Meteorological Department, the system is expected to have a significant impact across various Indian states, prompting a moderate risk alert. Satellite data indicates active weather conditions and temperature drops in northern and northeastern India, increasing the chill. This may result in rain and snowfall in the Himalayan regions of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Additionally, thunderstorms, storms, and light to moderate rain are forecast in western Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh. Cloudy conditions and ongoing rainfall activities are expected in Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh in northeastern India. Meanwhile, southern India’s weather remains comparatively stable, although some cloud cover is present. These factors are also expected to cause a slight temperature drop and increased chill in Nepal.
