Nepal’s monsoon is showing signs of easing on Friday, August 7, reducing the threat of widespread heavy rainfall after several days of unsettled weather.
The Meteorological Forecasting Division said the monsoon trough has returned close to its average position over eastern Nepal, while remaining slightly north of normal over the western part of the country.
Unlike previous days, when several provinces faced heavy to very heavy rainfall warnings, Friday’s forecast limits the risk of heavy rain to one or two locations in the Himalayan and hilly regions of Koshi and Bagmati provinces.
विपद उद्धार कार्यमा नेपाल प्रहरी pic.twitter.com/SYh7Oxt5Gs
— Nepal Police (@NepalPoliceHQ) August 7, 2026
However, the monsoon remains active and rainfall is expected across much of Nepal during the next three days. Forecasts indicate that rainfall could become more widespread again on Sunday.
Why is the rainfall becoming less intense?
The monsoon trough is an elongated area of relatively low atmospheric pressure that helps transport moisture northward from the Bay of Bengal and surrounding areas.
When the trough moves closer to Nepal, humid air converges against the country’s steep terrain, supporting widespread cloud development and heavier rain. Its return toward a more typical position has reduced the immediate risk of intense rainfall across multiple provinces.
The trough remains slightly north of its average position over western Nepal, allowing showers to continue across western hills and mountain districts.
Even moderate rainfall can cause problems where the ground is already saturated. Waterlogged slopes remain vulnerable to landslides, while small rivers and streams can respond rapidly to concentrated downpours.
Where will rain fall on Friday?
Generally cloudy conditions are forecast across Nepal during the day.
Light to moderate rain is expected at some locations in the hills, with precipitation also possible across parts of the Himalayan region. Some of the highest elevations may receive snow.
A few areas of the Tarai could experience light to moderate rainfall, although conditions will be less unsettled than during the recent period of more active monsoon weather.
Kathmandu, Pokhara, Okhaldhunga, Dhankuta, Jiri and Taplejung are among the locations where moderate rainfall is possible.
Kali Gandaki River flooding in Nepal following heavy rain ☔️ 🌧️
— Naveen Reddy (@navin_ankampali) August 6, 2026
The Kali Gandaki River is one of Nepal's most important and sacred rivers. It originates near the Nepal–Tibet border in the Mustang region and flows south through Nepal before entering India, where it is known as… pic.twitter.com/oIHpCVl6We
Pokhara has a 60 per cent probability of rain during both the day and night. Kathmandu has a 40 per cent chance during the day, increasing to 60 per cent overnight.
Most other major cities are expected to experience lighter rainfall, potentially accompanied by thunderstorms.
Heavy rain possible in Koshi and Bagmati overnight
Cloudy conditions will continue overnight across Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Sudurpashchim provinces.
The hilly and Himalayan areas of Lumbini and Karnali will also remain cloudy, while Madhesh Province and the Tarai districts of Lumbini are expected to be partly cloudy.
Light to moderate rain or snowfall is likely in some Himalayan areas. Rain is also forecast across parts of the hills and at isolated locations in the Tarai.
Heavy rainfall remains possible at one or two locations in the mountainous and hilly regions of Koshi and Bagmati. These localised downpours could trigger flash flooding, debris flows or landslides, particularly where the soil is already saturated.
Saturday is forecast to remain generally to completely cloudy across Nepal.
Moderate rainfall or snowfall is possible in some hilly and mountainous areas, while parts of the Tarai may also receive rain. Showers are expected to continue across much of the country on Saturday night.
Monsoon activity may intensify again on Sunday. Moderate rain is forecast at many locations in the hilly regions, with heavy rainfall possible at one or two places in the mountains and hills of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces.
Rain is also expected across the Himalayan, hilly and Tarai districts of Koshi Province on Sunday night.
Flood and landslide threat has not disappeared
Although the threat of widespread heavy rainfall has diminished for Friday, Nepal remains vulnerable to rain-related hazards.
Continued rainfall can destabilise steep slopes, cause soil erosion and raise water levels in small rivers. Landslides, falling rocks and debris flows may obstruct mountain roads with little warning.
Nature gives warnings. Let's not ignore them. #Nepal #Landslide #Alert pic.twitter.com/2zG9vmeNGS
— Tilak Paudel (@paud42548) August 7, 2026
The main risks include:
- Local flash flooding and rapidly rising streams
- Landslides on steep or waterlogged slopes
- Falling rocks along mountain roads
- Waterlogging in low-lying and urban areas
- Reduced visibility and transport delays
- Disruption to trekking and mountaineering activities
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has urged residents and travellers, particularly in Koshi and Bagmati, to monitor official bulletins and avoid swollen rivers, unstable slopes and flooded roads.
