KATHMANDU: Nepal is likely to receive above-average rainfall across the country this monsoon season, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology.

Director Kamal Raj Joshi shared this information during a meeting of the Agriculture, Cooperatives, and Natural Resources Committee held Thursday at Singha Durbar.

According to Joshi, there is a 55 to 65 percent probability of above-average rainfall in Gandaki Province, the northeastern part of Lumbini Province, and the western part of Karnali Province. For the rest of the country, the probability stands between 45 and 55 percent.

He noted that although Nepal’s annual average rainfall is 1,498.4 millimeters, last year the country received 1,691.3 millimeters—113 percent of the average.

Joshi also clarified that media claims such as “this will be the heaviest rainfall in the last 30 to 40 years” are not accurate.

“We estimate that rainfall this year will likely exceed the average. Particularly in Gandaki Province, northeastern Lumbini, and western Karnali, there’s a 55 to 65 percent chance of higher-than-average precipitation,” Joshi stated