Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Several parts of Nepal are likely to experience moderate to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms later this week as a cyclonic storm in the Bay of Bengal intensifies, authorities say.
In its latest bulletin issued on Monday afternoon, the Weather Forecasting Division under the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology said the system, named Cyclone Arnab, was expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm and could further develop into a very severe cyclonic storm.
The storm is forecast to move northwestward and approach the Yanam coastal area near Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, India, on October 28.
“The weather system is expected to begin affecting Nepal from Thursday night, October 29, with Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces likely to be particularly affected on Friday and Saturday,” the division said in its forecast. “Many places in Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces are likely to receive light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds.”
According to the division, similar conditions are forecast in parts of Lumbini Province, while some areas of Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces may also experience rainfall and thunderstorms, with heavy rain possible at one or two locations.
The division has urged farmers to complete agricultural activities ahead of the expected rainfall.
Stating that there is a risk of heavy snowfall, snowstorms and avalanches in high-hill and Himalayan areas, the division has advised tourists to avoid high-altitude destinations and remain in safe locations during the period.
It has advised the public to exercise caution as possible floods, landslides and debris flows could disrupt roads, air travel and daily activities.
