Nepal Heatwave May 2026

Scientists report accelerating planetary warming with global temperatures 1.39°C above preindustrial levels in 2025, a tripling of marine heatwave days since 1991, and a record high Earth's energy imbalance driven by human activities.

Nepal's upper atmosphere is partially influenced by a western low-pressure line and local winds, bringing cloudy weather and chances of moderate thunderstorms and rain across provinces including Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini, especially in mountainous and hilly areas.

Schools in Nepalgunj and Khajura were temporarily closed because of the severe heatwave, with Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City ordering a four-day closure from June 9 to 12 and Khajura Rural Municipality declaring a five-day heat vacation from June 10 to 14. Nepalgunj recorded a peak temperature of 41.5°C during this period.

Several provinces including Lumbini, Karnali, Bagmati, Madhesh, and Koshi experienced moderate rainfall with thunderstorms, caused by a moving rainfall system influenced by an upper atmospheric westerly low-pressure trough and local winds. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology issued public precautionary warnings for the ongoing weather conditions.

Khajura in Banke recorded the highest temperature in Nepal at 40.1°C during a severe heatwave intensifying across the Tarai region, affecting Sudurpashchim, Lumbini, Gandaki, and Bagmati provinces.

Cloudy weather with moderate rain, snowfall, and thunderstorms is occurring in hilly and mountainous regions of Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces, driven by upper atmospheric westerly low-pressure and local winds.

Heatwave conditions continue across Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, and Sudurpaschim provinces, particularly affecting the Terai plains, while hilly and Himalayan regions are forecast to receive rain and thunderstorms.

Nepalgunj, Dhangadhi, and Bhairahawa in the Terai region are forecasted to experience a heatwave with temperatures between 38°C and 40°C, while hilly and eastern regions including Pokhara, Okhaldhunga, and Taplejung expect moderate rain with thunderstorms. Kathmandu and other cities have a 20-40% chance of afternoon and nighttime rain and thunderstorms.

The United Nations warns of an 80-90% chance of El Nino developing before November, with expected intensification of heat and drought particularly affecting Asia, including severe impacts in India.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology forecasts extreme heat with hot air waves in Terai cities such as Nepalgunj, Simara, and Janakpur with temperatures up to 41°C, while hilly regions including Kathmandu are expected to experience rain and thunderstorms.

Temperatures exceed 38°C across Nepal's southern Terai plains and are forecast to continue for three more days, with orange and yellow weather alerts issued for multiple districts; temperatures reach up to 41°C in Nepalgunj and parts of Lumbini Province.

A western low-pressure line influences Nepal's upper atmosphere, causing partial cloudiness and chances of moderate thunderstorms in provinces including Koshi, Lumbini, and Sudurpashchim, while Terai regions remain mostly clear with ongoing heatwaves.

Nepal's Ministry of Health warned of increasing heatwave risks due to climate change, advising vulnerable populations such as children, elderly, and chronically ill to take protective measures including staying hydrated and avoiding outdoor work during peak heat.

Temperature in Nepal sharply increased reaching up to 41°C in Bhairahawa following decreased rainfall; moderate rainfall and snowfall expected in parts of Lumbini, Sudurpaschim, and mountain regions the following day.

Terai region in Nepal, including Bhairahawa, is forecast to experience extreme heat with temperatures between 38°C and 40°C while hilly and mountainous areas such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Taplejung expect light to moderate rain with thunderstorms; Taplejung has the highest rain probability at 40%.

Madhesh Province has faced temperatures above 40°C for over a week, causing disruptions and increasing risks of heat-related illnesses like heatstroke and dehydration; residents are advised to stay indoors and hydrated amid the 'Loo' heatwave.

The Ministry of Health deployed rapid response teams nationwide and implemented a monsoon preparedness plan focusing on public awareness, sanitation, and disease prevention ahead of health risks exacerbated by ongoing weather conditions.

Koshi Hospital in Biratnagar saw daily patient visits double to over 2,000 due to the severe heatwave and suspension of health insurance services in private hospitals, straining government healthcare facilities.

Terai cities including Simara, Biratnagar, and Janakpur are forecasted to experience extreme heat with temperatures between 36°C and 39°C, while hilly and mountainous areas such as Kathmandu and Pokhara have a chance of moderate rain and thunderstorms in the afternoon.

Northern India experienced an extreme heatwave with temperatures up to 48°C causing business closures and school holidays; Nepal reported rising temperatures but less severe impact at this time.

Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in India reported 48 deaths due to severe pre-monsoon thunderstorms, rain, and lightning amid a heatwave, disrupting flight operations and causing vehicle washouts in Saharanpur.

A climate-resilient health post was inaugurated in Bheri Municipality, Jajarkot, improving maternal and child health services supported by the Government of Nepal, UNFPA, and Japan.

Birendranagar faces severe power outages and water shortages impacting businesses, hospitals, and residences amid extreme heat, with damaged transmission towers and drought exacerbating the crisis.

Informal workers in Kathmandu report worsening working conditions due to extreme heat linked to climate change and the anticipated El Niño, resulting in increased health risks and income loss.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology predicts light to moderate rain with thunderstorms in several provinces including Pokhara and Kathmandu, while heatwave conditions are expected to persist in western Terai districts such as Dhangadi and Nepalgunj with temperatures between 39°C and 41°C.

Nepal experiences mixed weather with clouds and rain in some provinces, while western Terai regions continue under a heatwave affecting daily life.

Most parts of Nepal, including Kathmandu Valley, report extreme heat with temperatures exceeding 30°C in the valley and approaching 40°C in Terai districts, attributed to dry conditions and weak winds.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology forecasts continued heatwave conditions with temperatures ranging from 39°C to 41°C in western Terai districts such as Dhangadi and Nepalgunj, while hilly regions expect rain and thunderstorms.

Western Terai regions including Nepalgunj and Dhangadhi experience temperatures exceeding 40°C, leading to heat-related illnesses and a three-day school closure in Krishnapur Municipality, Kanchanpur.

Temperatures reach up to 45°C in Nepalgunj and other Terai districts causing significant disruptions including power outages, low voltage, and difficulties for school children and daily laborers.

Heatwave conditions persist in the Terai regions of western Nepal with temperatures reaching 40°C or above; six districts are placed on 'Be Prepared' alert and eleven on 'Be Updated' advisory.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology forecasts heatwave conditions with temperatures between 39°C and 41°C in Sudurpashchim and Lumbini provinces, including cities such as Dhangadi, Nepalgunj, and Dipayal.

Temperatures in western Nepal's Sudurpashchim and Lumbini provinces reach between 39°C and 41°C in cities including Dipayal, Dhangadhi, and Nepalgunj, while central and eastern regions see rain and thunderstorms.

The Monsoon Preparedness and Response National Action Plan projects that over 226,000 people in Nepal will be affected by this monsoon, with risks including extreme heatwaves in the southern Terai plains alongside floods and landslides.