When Will the Monsoon Reach Kathmandu?

Temperatures are soaring across Nepal, including the capital Kathmandu, which today recorded a high of 31 degrees Celsius. Despite earlier predictions of an early monsoon arrival, the weather department attributes the escalating heat to the monsoon’s inability to spread beyond eastern Nepal.

Why is it getting so hot?

According to Pratibha Manandhar, a meteorologist at the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, the monsoon has indeed entered the Koshi region. However, strong westerly winds are currently preventing its further westward movement.

What’s stopping the monsoon from spreading?

“In Nepal, winds blow from east to west for only four months of the year, with westerly winds dominating for the remaining eight months,” Manandhar explained. “For the monsoon to advance, these westerly winds need to shift higher, towards the Tibetan Plateau, allowing the moist air from the Bay of Bengal to move westward through Koshi.”

How do these winds affect the monsoon?

Manandhar added that when westerly winds are strong, it takes longer for monsoon winds to progress westward. Despite the current conditions, Manandhar anticipates that with increasing cloud cover, the monsoon could reach Kathmandu within the next two to three days.

When can we expect relief from the heat?

Furthermore, there’s a strong possibility of the monsoon spreading across the entire country by the first week of Ashar (the first week of July).

How does this year’s heat compare to previous years?

Comparing the current situation to previous years, Manandhar noted, “Normally, the monsoon arrives by June 13, which is still three days away. Last year, it took 15 days for the monsoon to reach western Nepal from the east. It was much hotter last year than it is now, with Kathmandu reaching temperatures of up to 35 degrees Celsius. This year, it’s just reached 31 degrees.”

What’s the main reason for the rising temperatures?

The delay in the monsoon winds moving westward is the primary reason for the rising temperatures, she explained, adding that temperatures are expected to drop once the monsoon advances. “The reason the monsoon is currently stalled in Koshi is that the westerly winds are quite strong, preventing the monsoon winds from pushing them forward, resulting in a lack of rain and higher temperatures,” she stated.

What’s unique about Nepal’s wind patterns?

Manandhar also highlighted that Nepal falls within a sub-tropical zone, where westerly winds prevail throughout the year, blowing from west to east for eight months. It is only during the monsoon season that the wind direction reverses, blowing from east to west.