Monsoon fully withdraws from Nepal, 12 days later than average

This year's monsoon has withdrawn completely from all parts of Nepal, the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology's weather forecasting division said in a bulletin issued on Wednesday, Asoj 28.

The average date for the monsoon's withdrawal from Nepal is Asoj 16 (October 2), but this year it was 12 days late. According to the division, withdrawal had begun on Asoj 17 from some areas of Sudurpashchim, Karnali, the western part of Lumbini and the western part of Gandaki.

This year's monsoon had also arrived late, entering on Asar 5 instead of the normal date of June 13. Overall rainfall during the monsoon season was around average, though the mountain region received more rain than the Tarai and hills.

The department said partly cloudy skies are expected today in the mountain and hill regions, with mainly clear weather in the Tarai. One or two places in the hilly areas of Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini and Karnali may see light rain with thunder. Kathmandu's temperature is forecast at 26 degrees Celsius, while Biratnagar and Janakpur are expected to reach 33 degrees Celsius.

Tomorrow, weather is expected to remain mostly clear in both the hill and Tarai regions. Even though the monsoon has withdrawn, local and westerly wind effects may continue, and the division has urged people to stay updated with the latest weather information.