Early monsoon retreats from Nepal, delaying widespread rainfall

KATHMANDU, JUNE 10: The monsoon, which had entered Nepal unusually early from Koshi Province on May 29—around 15 days ahead of the typical onset—has now shifted back to East Asia, disrupting the expected pattern of rainfall across the country.

According to the Meteorological Forecasting Division, a strong low-pressure system formed over East Asia has redirected the monsoon winds from Nepal toward regions including the Philippines.

"The monsoon has shifted to East Asia, mainly toward the Philippines. There is still no possibility of the monsoon spreading in Nepal for a few more days," said meteorologist Govinda Jha.

Following its early arrival, the monsoon triggered heavy rainfall in eastern Nepal on May 31. The resulting flood in the Leuti rivulet swept away a 100-meter stretch of the Dharan-Dhankuta road section.

Similarly, the Mai rivulet in Jhapa displaced 22 houses. However, since then, there has been no significant rainfall in the eastern region.

Jha explained that strong westerly winds continue to dominate the western and central parts of Nepal, preventing the monsoon from fully advancing. While monsoon winds carrying moisture from the Bay of Bengal typically fuel Nepal’s rainy season, the current system remains weak.

The delayed and interrupted monsoon has also led to rising temperatures across the country. "This type of monsoon break is not a good sign," Jha cautioned, noting it may result in extreme weather patterns—heavy rainfall in some areas and prolonged dry spells in others.