Monsoon begins retreat across western Nepal

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Oct. 7: The monsoon system this year began to recede starting from Sudurpaschim and Karnali provinces, along with some parts of Lumbini and Gandaki on Monday.

According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, as the monsoon winds are weakening, it is likely to withdraw from the rest of the country within few days. 

The monsoon had entered Nepal on May 28, two weeks earlier than the usual date and had spread across the country by June 20. 

Sanjeev Adhikari, a meteorologist at the Meteorological Forecasting Division under the DHM, said that the low-pressure system which had developed over the Bay of Bengal, bringing torrential rains and causing disasters in central and eastern part, has now withdrawn from the country, exiting through the eastern region.

Adhikari said, “The monsoon system has begun to withdraw and is likely to retreat from the country within a few days. However, as the monsoon withdraws, westerly winds are also strengthening and with the support of local weather systems, light to moderate rainfall is expected in western Nepal.”

He further advised people in the region to remain cautious and to avoid agricultural activities for the time being, as the westerly system could affect both farming and the tourism sector.

Although the average date for monsoon withdrawal in Nepal is October 2, it became active again in its later phase, delaying the withdrawal like in previous year.