Nepal Braces for Heavy Rainfall as Cyclone Arnab Approaches
Meteorological authorities have issued warnings for heavy rain and snowfall across Nepal as a developing cyclone in the Bay of Bengal moves northwest.
Nepal is preparing for a significant weather event as a cyclonic system, identified as Cyclone Arnab by the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM), develops in the Bay of Bengal. Meteorological authorities have warned that the system is expected to impact the country starting Wednesday, with the most intense conditions forecast from Thursday through Saturday.
Regional Impact and Forecast
According to the DHM, the weather will begin to shift on Wednesday, starting with light rain in the eastern regions. By Thursday night and Friday, the influence of the system is expected to spread across most of the country. While the DHM notes that Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces may see a more moderate impact, other regions—including Koshi, Bagmati, Madhesh, Gandaki, and Lumbini—are bracing for moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds.
Experts have expressed concern regarding the severity of the incoming weather. Meteorologist Binod Pokharel, an associate professor at Tribhuvan University, likened the potential impact to the 2014 'Hudhud' cyclone, which caused fatal snowfall in Mustang and Manang. Pokharel noted that the current system is interacting with a western low-pressure system and the ongoing 'Northeast Monsoon' in southern India, a combination that could exacerbate rainfall and snowfall in Nepal's mountainous terrain.
Agricultural and Travel Advisories
With the harvest season underway, the National Agriculture Environment Research Center and the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC) have issued urgent guidance to farmers. Officials have advised farmers to complete paddy harvesting by Tuesday. For those unable to finish in time, NARC Executive Director Shrimat Shrestha recommended waiting until the weather clears to avoid crop damage and mold. The Agriculture Development Office in Dhading echoed these concerns, suggesting that farmers ensure proper drainage in fields to prevent waterlogging.
Despite the immediate threat to the harvest, NARC officials remain optimistic about the overall yield. Shrestha stated that while the 'El Niño' weather phenomenon was initially expected to reduce rainfall and impact production, the actual output is projected to be slightly higher than last year, reaching 3.8 to 3.9 metric tons per hectare.
Authorities have also implemented safety measures for the tourism sector. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has advised against trekking or mountaineering in high-altitude areas from October 28 to November 1. Spokesperson Ram Bahadur KC stated that the agency is monitoring the situation closely and may restrict vehicle movement if necessary. Travelers are urged to check the latest weather updates before planning any journeys during this period.