KATHMANDU: Nepal has witnessed an early onset of the monsoon season this year, arriving 15 days ahead of the average date.

According to a statement issued by the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology on Friday, the monsoon entered Nepal on the night of May 29, beginning from the eastern region and spreading across most parts of Koshi Province.

Director General of the Department, Kamal Ram Joshi, stated that while the average onset date for monsoon in Nepal is June 13, this year it began significantly earlier.

As a result, light to moderate monsoon rainfall has already been recorded in several weather stations across Koshi Province.

However, Joshi clarified that it will take more time for the monsoon system to expand to the rest of the country.

Currently, western and local winds continue to influence the remaining areas outside the monsoon-affected zones.

The Meteorological Forecasting Division is continuously monitoring the evolving weather patterns and will keep updating the public with timely forecasts, he added.

The department also released its monsoon outlook for 2082 B.S., projecting higher-than-average rainfall across most parts of the country between Jestha 18 and Ashoj 14 (roughly mid-June to early October).

The forecast indicates a 55% to 65% probability of above-normal rainfall in the eastern part of Karnali Province, northern Lumbini, and large portions of Gandaki Province.

Similarly, there is a 45% to 55% chance of higher-than-average rainfall in southern Sudurpaschim, western Lumbini, northeastern Gandaki, and the northern parts of Bagmati and Koshi Provinces.

For Madhesh Province’s eastern and southern regions, as well as the remaining parts of the country, the likelihood of above-normal rainfall ranges between 35% and 45%.

This early monsoon arrival and the forecast of increased precipitation may have significant implications for agriculture, water resources, and disaster preparedness across Nepal.