Cyclone Arnab Alert: Nepal Braces for Heavy Rain, Snow and Storms
Nepal prepares for severe weather as Cyclone Arnab triggers heavy rain, snowfall, and thunderstorms across multiple provinces.
Nepal is on high alert as the country prepares to fall under the influence of Cyclone Arnab, a weather system currently developing over the Bay of Bengal. According to the latest forecast from the Nepal Meteorological Department’s Weather Forecasting Division, the impact of the cyclone is expected to be felt starting Thursday, bringing a volatile mix of heavy precipitation, thunder, and snowfall across various regions.
The Calm Before the Storm
As of Wednesday morning, the weather remained relatively stable. The Himalayan and hilly regions experienced fair conditions, while the Terai region, river basins, and valleys saw the development of morning fog and mist. However, this tranquility is short-lived, as the meteorological department warns of a rapid deterioration in weather conditions starting Wednesday afternoon.
Initial Shifts: Wednesday's Forecast
The transition began with increasing cloud cover across several provinces. The department noted the following for Wednesday:
- Cloud Cover: Generally cloudy skies in Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini Provinces, with partly cloudy conditions in Karnali and Sudurpashchim.
- Early Precipitation: Light rain or snowfall was predicted for isolated spots in the Himalayan region, as well as the Hilly and Terai regions of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini.
- Nighttime Outlook: Conditions are expected to become more unsettled overnight, with light to moderate rain or snow possible across the Himalayan regions of all provinces, including Karnali and Sudurpashchim.
Cyclone Arnab Intensifies: Thursday's Impact
By Thursday, the influence of Cyclone Arnab is expected to broaden. While the afternoon may see general cloudiness and light to moderate precipitation in the lower elevations of Koshi, Madhesh, and Bagmati, the situation is projected to escalate significantly by Thursday night.
The Weather Forecasting Division has issued a stern warning for Thursday night, predicting:
"Light to moderate rain or snowfall accompanied by thunder and lightning is possible at many places in Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini Provinces."
Furthermore, the department warned that heavy rain or snowfall could strike one or two locations in the Hilly and Himalayan regions of Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki, as well as the Hilly and Terai regions of Lumbini Province.
Friday: The Peak of the Weather Crisis
Friday is anticipated to be the most challenging day of the week, with unsettled weather spanning the entire country. The afternoon forecast indicates a high probability of widespread instability:
- Widespread Storms: Light to moderate rain or snow, accompanied by thunder and lightning, is expected in most parts of Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini, and many areas of Karnali and Sudurpashchim.
- Heavy Precipitation: Heavy rain or snow is likely in several locations across the first five provinces, and in the Himalayan and Hilly regions of Karnali and Sudurpashchim.
- Extreme Alerts: The department has warned that very heavy rain or snowfall is possible at one or two locations in Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini Provinces.
The volatile weather is expected to persist overnight from Friday into Saturday, leaving the country in a state of high vigilance as the remnants of Cyclone Arnab move through the region.