Kathmandu, Nepal, 29 Oct: The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has issued a significant weather advisory for Wednesday, forecasting substantial precipitation and associated hazards across multiple regions of Nepal.
According to the Department, the high Himalayan and mountainous regions of Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki Provinces are expected to experience moderate snowfall. Furthermore, one or two specific locations within the Koshi and Bagmati Provinces’ high hills and Himalayan areas are under a warning for heavy snowfall, which could lead to treacherous travel conditions and reduced visibility.
This weather system is also predicted to cause a marked increase in water flow in several major river systems. The water levels in the Bagmati, Kamala, Koshi, and Kankai rivers, along with their numerous tributaries, are anticipated to rise significantly. The Department has explicitly stated that these conditions warrant a high level of caution for communities in the vicinity. There is a distinct possibility of sudden, flash floods in the smaller rivers and streams that flow down from the Mahabharat and Chure ranges, affecting areas within the Koshi, Bagmati, and Madhesh Provinces.
The advisory has pinpointed several districts where the risk of flash floods in local streams and rivulets is particularly high. This list includes districts within Bagmati Province such as Kathmandu Valley, Kavre, Sindhupalchok, Dolakha, Makwanpur, Chitwan, and Sindhuli. In Madhesh Province, the districts of Bara, Parsa, Sarlahi, Rautahat, Mahottari, Dhanusha, and Saptari are on alert. Similarly, in Koshi Province, the districts of Sankhuwasabha, Taplejung, Panchthar, Tehrathum, Bhojpur, Dhankuta, Ilam, Jhapa, Morang, and Sunsari are expected to be affected.
The combined impact of the anticipated rainfall and snowfall presents multiple risks, including sudden water surges in rivers and streams, and landslides. These conditions are likely to disrupt daily life and impact key sectors. Road transport, especially along hilly and mountainous routes, could be severely affected, and air travel may face delays or cancellations due to poor visibility. The agricultural and tourism sectors are also likely to experience negative impacts from the severe weather.
This active weather pattern is being influenced by Cyclone ‘Remal,’ which developed in the Bay of Bengal. As of the latest update, the cyclone was making landfall in India’s Andhra Pradesh region. Following its landfall, the system is forecast to weaken gradually. It is then expected to move north-northwestward, transforming into a low-pressure area that will approach central Nepal before subsequently shifting eastward, bringing the bulk of the moisture and precipitation into the country.
