Cyclone Arnab to weaken before reaching Nepal, but risk remains: authorities

The powerful cyclone 'Arnab' formed over the Bay of Bengal is expected to weaken by the time it reaches Nepal, but the risk remains, the Weather Forecasting Division has said.

According to senior meteorologist Bivuti Pokharel of the division, the system, currently extremely powerful over the sea, is expected to make landfall near Visakhapatnam in India by Wednesday, or Thursday morning at the latest.

After making landfall, it will weaken and move towards northwestern Nepal, possibly reducing to a low-pressure area, she said. However, since its projected path is towards Nepal, the impact should not be taken lightly, she added.

According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology's forecast, weather will remain mostly clear in most places on Tuesday and Wednesday. The weather will gradually begin to change from Thursday, with chances of rain and snowfall increasing on Friday and Saturday, the department said.

Citing the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, Nepal Police has urged people to maintain high alert from Kattik 13 to 15. During this period, some areas of Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini may receive heavy rainfall accompanied by lightning and strong winds. Karnali and Sudurpashchim may see light to moderate rainfall.

Since the risk of heavy snowfall, snowstorms and avalanches is high in the Himalayan and high hill regions, police have asked people to exercise special caution.

For weather information, people can contact 1155; for disaster assistance, 1234; for police, 100; and for tourist police, 1144.