Nepal’s monsoon season has been delayed, with the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) warning that developing El Niño conditions in the Pacific Ocean could weaken rainfall and affect weather patterns across the country. The monsoon, which typically enters Nepal around June 13, had not arrived as of Monday, and weather models indicate that its onset may be delayed by several more days.
According to the DHM, western wind activity and local weather systems have continued to generate cloud cover, thunderstorms, and moderate rainfall in parts of Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces, particularly in hilly and Himalayan regions. These pre-monsoon conditions have provided temporary relief but do not signal the official arrival of the monsoon.
Meteorologists expressed concern over the emergence of El Niño, a climate phenomenon associated with warmer-than-average Pacific Ocean temperatures. Historically, El Niño has been linked to delayed and weaker monsoon seasons in Nepal and across South Asia. The department noted that several past El Niño years recorded significantly delayed monsoon arrivals.
Meanwhile, weather forecasts indicate continued unsettled conditions in the hills and mountains, with chances of light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, and snowfall in some high-altitude areas. In contrast, the Terai region is expected to experience intense heat, with temperatures in cities such as Dhangadhi and Nepalgunj reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius.
The DHM has urged the public to follow regular weather updates as it continues to monitor monsoon developments and issue advisories throughout the season.