Although Cyclone Arnab has weakened into a low-pressure system, its remnants are expected to bring rain to several parts of Nepal from Thursday afternoon, with the risk of heavy rainfall increasing overnight and into Friday.

Meteorologist Binod Pokharel said people should remain alert from Thursday night through Saturday morning, as the system could bring heavy rain to multiple locations. Cloud cover has begun to increase under its influence, but no rain had been reported in Nepal as of Thursday morning.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has also forecast that the system’s influence will gradually intensify from Thursday.

According to the department, most places in Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces could receive moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning, as well as snowfall, from October 29 to 31.

Many places in Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces could also experience moderate rain, hailstorms, thunder and lightning, along with snowfall.

The department has warned of heavy rain and snowfall at a few places in Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces. One or two places in the mountainous and hilly areas of Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces could also receive heavy rain and snowfall.

Pokharel said Thursday’s forecast identified fewer at-risk districts than Wednesday’s, but the low-pressure system covered a large area. Its interaction with an upper-atmospheric trough could trigger heavy rainfall in several locations, he said.

As the location, timing and intensity of the rainfall could change, Pokharel urged people to follow regular weather updates and official advisories.