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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.