The monsoon, which entered Nepal on May 28 and covered the country by June 20, is likely to linger longer than usual this year.

According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, the weather system reactivated on Thursday, despite being in its late phase. Senior meteorologist Min Kumar Aryal said the monsoon, which normally arrives around June 13, came 15 days early this year. Its withdrawal is now also expected to be delayed.

Heavy rainfall is forecast from Friday afternoon through the weekend due to the combined effect of the monsoon, local winds, and a trough formed in the Bay of Bengal. Downpours are expected on Saturday and Sunday, with conditions likely to improve from Monday.

“After that, the westerly winds will influence the weather and determine when the monsoon finally retreats,” Aryal said.