Oct 29, Kathmandu - The effects of powerful Cyclone Arnab are expected to reach Nepal today, with rain forecast from the afternoon and a heightened risk of heavy rainfall tomorrow.

Meteorologist Binod Pokharel said the cyclone has weakened and transformed into a low-pressure system. Although clouds have reached Nepal, rainfall had not begun by this morning, he said. Today’s forecast also shows fewer districts at risk than yesterday, though the system covers a large area and could still trigger heavy rain in multiple locations.

“Rain is expected to begin this afternoon, with a greater chance of heavy rainfall tomorrow. People should remain alert from tonight through Saturday morning,” Pokharel said, warning that the system’s interaction with an upper-air low-pressure trough could intensify rainfall.

Cyclone Arnab made landfall near the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh and Yanam in India at around 8:15 a.m. Wednesday. Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology said unfavorable weather is expected across the country from today through Saturday.

Most places in Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces may receive moderate rain with thunderstorms and lightning, along with snowfall in some areas. Many parts of Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces could also see moderate rain, thunderstorms, hail and snowfall.