Cyclone Arnab's effect: rain and snow likely nationwide from today through Saturday

According to the Weather Forecasting Division under the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, the country currently has a partial influence of westerly winds. The division said that because of the additional effect of Cyclone Arnab, which formed over the Bay of Bengal, rain and snow are likely in various parts of the country starting today.

The division said heavy rainfall is likely at one or two places in Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces today. From the evening of Kartik 12 to Kartik 14, moderate rain and snowfall with thunder and lightning are likely at most places across the country. Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces may also see rain with thunder, lightning and hail. Heavy rainfall is likely in Kathmandu on Friday.

According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, the extremely severe Cyclone Arnab has already made landfall along the coastal area of Andhra Pradesh in India. The system is moving northwestward and is forecast to gradually weaken as it reaches the vicinity of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. However, officials said Nepal will not experience the kind of strong winds seen in India.

To guard against possible disaster, the District Administration Office in Jhapa has urged the public to exercise special caution for three days. The administration said the risk of flooding and inundation has increased in Jhapa because of the cyclone's effect.