Rumors of a week of rain spread, but meteorologists say there's no need to panic

After rumors spread on social media that it would rain for a full week, the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has said there is no need to panic.

According to meteorologist Rajan Maharjan of the department's Weather Forecasting Division, rain is possible in some parts of the country from Tuesday. However, he said it is not yet clear exactly where, how much, or for how many days it will rain.

He said the rumors have particularly worried farmers. Maharjan clarified that while 3-day forecasts in Nepal are mostly accurate, 7-day forecasts are not reliable. Since weather systems are changeable, he urged the public not to believe such rumors.

He said information about next week's rain would be made public within a few days and urged people to trust only the department's official information.

According to the division's latest forecast, light rain and snow are possible in the Himalayan regions of Koshi, Gandaki and Karnali, as well as in one or two hilly areas of Koshi and Gandaki. Other hilly and Himalayan areas are expected to see partly cloudy skies, while the Tarai will mostly remain clear. Since fog and mist may form in the Tarai in the mornings, the division has urged caution for road and air travel.