Kathmandu, June 19 - Nepal has recorded its highest pre-monsoon rainfall in available historical records, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM). The unprecedented rainfall highlights significant changes in seasonal weather patterns and raises concerns about the increasing impacts of climate variability across the country.
Data released by the department show that Nepal received an average of 339.77 millimetres of rainfall during the 2026 pre-monsoon period, equivalent to 145.5 percent of the long-term average of 226.3 millimetres. The figure surpasses all previously recorded pre-monsoon rainfall totals since systematic records became available.
According to DHM meteorologist Sanjiv Adhikari, the unusually high rainfall was driven by the combined influence of active western low-pressure systems, local wind circulation, and intense heat conditions during the pre-monsoon season. These factors contributed to frequent and widespread rainfall events across different regions of the country.
The department’s records indicate that the previous highest pre-monsoon rainfall was recorded in 1990, when 331.40 millimetres of rainfall was measured. Other notable years include 2000 with 323.19 millimetres, 2021 with 317.88 millimetres, and 2020 with 315.78 millimetres. The 2026 rainfall total has exceeded all of these records.
Meteorologists say the significant increase in pre-monsoon rainfall may be an indication of changing climate patterns in the Himalayan region. In recent years, Nepal has experienced increasingly erratic weather conditions, including intense rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning strikes, hailstorms, and strong winds during the pre-monsoon period. Similar weather events have been reported across various parts of the country in recent weeks.
Climate experts have warned that changing atmospheric conditions and increasing moisture availability are contributing to more frequent extreme weather events across South Asia and the Himalayan region. Such changes can heighten the risks of floods, landslides, and damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and livelihoods.
Despite the record-breaking pre-monsoon rainfall, the DHM has noted a delay in the official onset of the summer monsoon this year, creating an unusual weather situation characterized by abundant pre-monsoon precipitation and a later-than-normal monsoon arrival.
The department has urged relevant authorities, local governments, and communities to remain vigilant and strengthen preparedness measures as Nepal enters the main monsoon season, when the risk of heavy rainfall-induced disasters typically increases.
#EcosphereNews #NepalWeather #PreMonsoonRainfall #ClimateChange #DHM #Monsoon2026 #ExtremeWeather #RainfallRecord #EnvironmentNews #ClimateAdaptation #DisasterRiskReduction #Nepal
