Sep 25, Kathmandu - The Meteorological Forecasting Division says monsoon winds, along with a partial influence from westerly winds, are affecting the country. A strong low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is centered near northern Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha in India.

The system is expected to move northwest while maintaining its strength initially, then shift north-northwest over the next 24 hours and gradually weaken, the division said.

Moderate rain and snowfall, accompanied by thunder and lightning, are likely across most Himalayan areas of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini and Karnali provinces, and in some Himalayan areas of Sudurpashchim.

Moderate rain with thunder and lightning is also forecast across much of the hills and Tarai of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini; the hills of Karnali; and some areas of Madhesh and Sudurpashchim.

A few places in Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini and Karnali could see heavy to very heavy rainfall. Isolated locations in Gandaki and Lumbini may receive extremely heavy rain, while heavy rainfall is possible at one or two places in Madhesh.

The division has also forecast strong winds in some parts of Madhesh and the Tarai areas of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini.