El Niño yet to make an impact on monsoon

Kathmandu, Aug. 12: The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM), in its 2026 monsoon outlook, forecast below-normal rainfall in parts of southern and western Nepal, particularly southern Karnali, Lumbini, eastern Madhes and southern Koshi. The outlook also highlighted the potential influence of the El Niño conditions developing in the Pacific Ocean on the country’s monsoon pattern.