The effects of Cyclone Arnab and associated rainfall are expected to ease from Saturday afternoon, the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology said.

Light rain is currently being reported in many parts of Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces, and at one or two places in Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces, according to the department.

“Although the impact is expected to gradually weaken from Saturday afternoon, people should continue to follow weather updates for their local areas,” said David Dhakal, a meteorologist at the department.

Cyclone Arnab, which had been powerful in India, weakened into a strong low-pressure system before reaching Nepal. As a result, its effects in the country, including rain, snowfall and strong winds, have been relatively mild, the department said.

Rain and snowfall are likely in much of the country on Friday, both during the day and at night. Most areas of Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces, as well as the Himalayan regions of Karnali and Sudurpaschim, will remain cloudy during the day.

Some hilly and Himalayan areas of these provinces could receive moderate rain and snowfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, Dhakal said.

Most parts of the country will remain cloudy at night, with moderate rain and snowfall expected. Heavy rain or snowfall is possible in some places, the department said.

In the 24 hours to Friday morning, the Roshi weather station in Kavrepalanchok recorded the highest rainfall, at 50.2 millimetres.

Many parts of Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces received light to moderate rain during the period. Light rain was also reported at a few places in Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces.