Kathmandu, July 18: The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has urged general public to take necessary precautions today with a possibility of heavy rainfall in various parts of the country. According to the meteorologist Sanjeeb Adhikari, influence of monsoon winds is currently prevailing across the country. The monsoon’s low-pressure line is slightly above average in the western part near the Terai region and around the average in the eastern part of Nepal, so there is a chance of significant rainfall over the next three days, it is stated in the weather bulletin today. Today, the department has indicated possibility of heavy rainfall in a few hilly and Terai areas of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces, and extremely heavy rainfall in one or two places. The department said there may be an increased risk of river flooding, landslides, and soil erosion due to the possible rainfall, cautioning residents in affected areas to be precautious. Since this may impact daily life, agriculture, health, tourism, mountaineering, as well as road and air transport, the department has urged everyone to follow the latest weather updates regularly. This afternoon, the country will experience mostly cloudy skies. Moderate rainfall with thunder and lightning is likely in most hilly and Terai regions, while in the mountainous areas, some places might also see snowfall along with rain, the department stated. Tonight, most parts of the country will remain cloudy, with a chance of rain accompanied by thunder and lightning in most hilly and Terai regions. The department has requested adopting high alert as one or two places in the hills and Terai of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, and Sudurpashchim provinces could receive extremely heavy rainfall.—