गृहपृष्ठ ∕ Breaking ∕ Nepal monsoon defies early El Niño drought fears Breaking Nepal monsoon defies early El Niño drought fears KathmanduPati August 12, 2026 Kathmandu [Nepal], August 12 – Nepal has received slightly below-normal monsoon rainfall so far easing early concerns that developing El Niño conditions would trigger widespread drought across the country, according to weather officials and climate experts. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) said Nepal recorded 611.5 mm of cumulative rainfall between June 19 and August 6, equivalent to 92.1 percent of the historical average of 663.6 mm for the same period. While Madhesh Province and the southern Tarai of Koshi recorded the largest rainfall deficits central and western Nepal experienced near-normal precipitation. Sudurpaschim and Karnali provinces received almost average rainfall while Kathmandu recorded rainfall well above its seasonal benchmark. Localised heavy downpours were also reported in parts of the hills and mountains. Climate analyst Ngmindra Dahal said El Niño has so far had a limited impact on Nepal’s monsoon particularly in the hill regions despite expectations of a stronger influence this year. He noted that good pre-monsoon rainfall also helped offset the delayed arrival of the monsoon. Senior meteorologist Barun Paudel said El Niño remains a key global factor that can weaken monsoon systems, but stressed that its overall impact on Nepal can only be fully assessed after the four-month monsoon season concludes. Write your comments RELATED NEWS ‘Old baggage’ does not include Nepal’s sovereignty, borders: FM Khanal Nepal Army chief in China for Beijing Xiangshan Forum Australia hands over 17 specialised drones to Nepal for disaster… 607 foreign nationals still missing in Nepal floods France delivers emergency aid to Nepal flood victims Nepal unveils 21-point plan to revive capital market Top Headlines Monsoon is predictable and Nepal’s disaster response should be too1 Nepal “a Buffer State”: Rethinking foreign policy in relative terms2 Promotion Linked to Future Military Leadership: Major General Magar Could Become Army Chief3 When the State Pulls the Trigger, Who Answers ?4 Before the Ballots: How Oli Lost the Political Narrative5 Nepal’s Political Renaissance: The rise of the RSP, the re-ordering of the old political order and the political path forward6 Balen’s Silence Has Invited Curiosity, Confusion, and Concerns7 Jagdamba Group Chairman Shankar Agrawal Arrested8 TRENDING Once on the Margins, Women Diplomats Are Now Making Their Mark in Nepal’s Foreign Service Sector Pathao, Tootle resume ride sharing services after authorities relax lockdown The Role of the Nepalese Army in Strategic Road Projects National Poet Madhav Prasad Ghimire no more Public Relations for a Soldier Nepal Army’s mission in Lebanon provides Covid support kits to local municipalities Army Day : Five facts about Nepal’s ‘blue helmets’ in UN-peacekeeping missions Why Are Boys Unexpressive?
