Monsoon likely to be delayed in Nepal amid strengthening El Nino effect

KATHMANDU: The monsoon is expected to be delayed in Nepal this year as it has already missed its tentative arrival date, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology.

Department spokesperson Bibhuti Pokharel said June 13 is considered the provisional date for monsoon onset.

Still, satellite data and weather forecasting models indicate that it may take a few more days to enter the country.

She added that the strengthening El Niño in the tropical Pacific could further weaken monsoon activity across South Asia, including Nepal, affecting both its timing and intensity.

Historically, Nepal has also experienced delayed monsoon onsets in several years, including 1972, 1982, 1983, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, 2009, 2016, 2019, and 2023.