Kathmandu, 3 October 2026 - Nepal’s southwest monsoon is showing clear signs of withdrawal from the western part of the country, marking the beginning of the seasonal transition toward the post-monsoon period.
According to the latest information from Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM), the monsoon has withdrawn from several areas of Sudurpaschim Province, Karnali Province, western Lumbini Province and parts of western Gandaki Province. The withdrawal is occurring progressively across the country rather than ending simultaneously nationwide.
The latest weather conditions also reflect this transition. DHM’s 3 October forecast indicates largely dry conditions across major western centres, including Dadeldhura, Dipayal, Dhangadhi, Birendranagar, Nepalgunj, Jumla, Ghorahi and Pokhara. Temperatures remain relatively high in the western and southern plains, with maximum temperatures forecast to reach around 35-38°C in parts of Lumbini and Sudurpaschim.
However, the retreat of the monsoon does not mean that rainfall has completely ended across Nepal. Localised rainfall remains possible, particularly during this transitional period. DHM recorded 80 mm of rainfall at Faleni in the previous 24-hour period, demonstrating that significant localised precipitation can still occur even as the broader monsoon circulation retreats.
DHM continues to monitor rainfall and river conditions closely. Its rainfall-watch system identifies 60 mm in one hour, 80 mm in three hours, 100 mm in six hours, 120 mm in 12 hours and 140 mm in 24 hours as warning thresholds associated with potential local threats, including landslides on steep slopes and high flows in local rivers and streams.
Nepal’s normal monsoon withdrawal date is 2 October, according to DHM. The timing can vary considerably from year to year and across different parts of the country. In 2025, for example, the monsoon withdrew from western Nepal on 6 October and completely withdrew from the country on 10 October.
The developing withdrawal therefore represents an important seasonal shift for Nepal. After months of monsoon rainfall, the transition brings increasing periods of dry weather, changing temperature patterns and gradually more stable atmospheric conditions. At the same time, communities in mountainous and landslide-prone areas should not assume that all rainfall-related hazards have disappeared until the monsoon has fully withdrawn.
For a country increasingly exposed to climate variability and extreme weather, the transition also highlights the importance of maintaining weather, rainfall, river and landslide monitoring systems even as the main monsoon season comes to an end.
Ecosphere News will continue to monitor official weather and climate updates as Nepal moves from the monsoon season into the post-monsoon period.
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