Pre-monsoon weather to last three more days

By A Staff Reporter, Kathmandu May 5: The current weather pattern is expected to persist for another three days, with pre-monsoon activity active mainly in the western and central parts of the country.

Barun Paudel, a senior meteorologist at the Meteorological Forecasting Division under the Department of Hydrology (DHM), said the current weather conditions are due to pre-monsoon activity. 

This year, the pre-monsoon season appears to be slightly more active, mainly due to the influence of westerly winds as well as local wind systems. The interaction of these systems is causing thunderstorms, lightning and rainfall across the country, he said. He added that the activity seems slightly higher compared to last year

He explained that such weather patterns have been occurring for about one to two weeks. Last week, similar conditions were observed in the eastern region, while this week the system has become active in the western and central parts of the country. 

Rainfall is likely, particularly in the evening hours, although it can occur at any time. Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds have also been reported in the Tarai region, Paudel said.

He said the current pattern is expected to continue for another couple of days. However, continuous rainfall is unlikely. Instead, conditions will remain changeable -- there may be sunshine at times, followed by cloud formation and then rain, especially in the evening, night or early morning. This pattern may persist for the next two to three days, he added.

He added that such conditions are typical of the pre-monsoon season, which is usually characterised by lightning, thunder, gusty winds, hailstorms and rainfall. Local wind systems tend to become more active during this period, supported by westerly winds. Weather systems generally develop in the west and gradually move eastwards.

Regarding Kathmandu and Bagmati Province, he said rainfall is likely over the next couple of days.