KATHMANDU: Nepal has started witnessing a gradual change in weather conditions as the southwest monsoon approaches its seasonal withdrawal, with westerly winds beginning to influence the western parts of the country.

The Weather Forecasting Division under the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology said the partial influence of westerly winds began in western Nepal on September 17.

According to the Division, the winds are currently affecting parts of Sudurpashchim and Karnali provinces, while the monsoon system continues to influence other parts of the country.

The monsoon winds are expected to gradually weaken in the coming days as the influence of westerly winds increases. The transition is also expected to bring a gradual decline in temperatures across the country.

Some areas have already recorded a slight drop in temperature, although weather conditions in other parts of Nepal remain largely unchanged, the Division said.

Nepal’s long-term average date for the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon is October 2. As the country approaches the average withdrawal period, monsoon activity is expected to gradually decrease.

However, the actual withdrawal date can vary from year to year and may occur earlier or later than October 2 depending on atmospheric conditions. The transition from the monsoon season to post-monsoon conditions generally brings reduced rainfall activity and cooler temperatures in many parts of Nepal. Post-monsoon conditions are considered to have begun after the monsoon has completely withdrawn from the country