Terai Heatwave 2026

Nepal experienced varied weather patterns with extreme heatwaves up to 40°C in plains and inner Terai regions like Nepalgunj and Bhairahawa, while moderate rain and thunderstorms were forecast for cities such as Pokhara, Kathmandu, Biratnagar, and Taplejung. Western hilly and mountainous areas expected light rain with afternoon thunderstorms.

Heatwave conditions continued in western Nepal's Terai, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C in districts of Lumbini and Sudurpashchim provinces. Concurrently, the monsoon brought moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning to much of the country including Kathmandu Valley.

Temperatures in the Terai region continued increasing with forecasts up to 41°C, alongside hot winds expected in Sudurpashchim and Lumbini provinces for the next three days. Specific cities like Dhangadhi, Nepalgunj, and Bhairahawa were forecast to experience temperatures between 40 and 41°C.

All 163 schools in Nepalgunj were ordered closed for three days as temperatures reached 40°C, to protect students from extreme heat conditions.

Monsoon winds affected parts of Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, and eastern Lumbini provinces, causing moderate rainfall and thunderstorms in Himalayan, hilly, and Terai regions. Heatwaves and hot days were forecast in Terai areas of Lumbini and Sudurpashchim provinces and parts of Bagmati and Gandaki.

Western Terai cities including Nepalgunj and Dhangadhi experienced extreme heat with temperatures reaching up to 41°C, while Birendranagar, Bhairahawa, and Ghorahi recorded hot days between 35 and 39°C without rain. Moderate rain and thunderstorms were forecast in central and eastern hilly areas such as Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Monsoon winds brought moderate rainfall and thunderstorms to eastern and hilly regions including Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces, while heatwave conditions persisted in western Terai with temperatures up to 41°C.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology issued a heatwave alert for Terai regions in Sudurpashchim and Lumbini provinces, forecasting rising temperatures in Gandaki and Bagmati provinces. Moderate rain and thunderstorms were predicted with a 40% chance in hilly areas including Kathmandu Valley.

Indian tourists escaping a severe heatwave in northern India boosted summer tourism in Nepal's cooler areas like Chitwan and Pokhara, increasing hotel occupancy despite monsoon season.

Madhesh Province experienced severe heatwave conditions with temperatures above 35°C, causing increased heat-related illnesses and snakebite cases, straining hospitals in Janakpur, Birgunj, and other districts. The extreme heat severely disrupted daily life and economic activities for vulnerable populations such as daily wage laborers and small traders.

Western and central Terai cities, including Nepalgunj and Bhairahawa, faced extreme heat with temperatures up to 41°C. Rain, thunderstorms, and lightning were forecast for hilly and eastern cities such as Pokhara and Biratnagar.

Heatwave conditions with temperatures up to 41°C persisted in western Terai districts including Lumbini and Sudurpashchim, while eastern Nepal experienced moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms. Kathmandu Valley temperatures ranged between 29 and 31°C with light rain forecast.

Bhairahawa recorded a peak temperature of 41.5°C while Nepalgunj reached 40.4°C as heavy rain fell in several Terai districts. The weather department forecasted cloudy skies and potential thunderstorms in hilly and mountainous areas.

Heatwave-like conditions continued in western and central Tarai with temperatures between 37 and 39°C in key cities like Nepalgunj and Bhairahawa. Concurrently, heavy thunderstorms were forecast in hill and mountain regions.

Khajura in Banke province recorded the highest temperature in Nepal at 40.1°C amid an intensifying heatwave across the Tarai region affecting multiple provinces.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology forecasted extreme heat and hot air waves in Tarai cities such as Nepalgunj, Simara, and Janakpur with temperatures up to 41°C, while hilly and mountainous regions including Kathmandu Valley were expected to receive rain and thunderstorms.

A severe heatwave affected Nepal's Tarai with temperatures exceeding 38°C, leading the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology to issue orange and yellow alerts for multiple districts. Temperatures reached up to 41°C in Nepalgunj.

Nepal's Ministry of Health issued warnings about increasing heatwave risks and advised vulnerable populations to take protective measures against extreme heat.

Temperature in Bhairahawa reached 41°C following decreased rainfall, indicating a sharp heat increase in the Terai region. Moderate rainfall was expected in some hilly and mountain regions concurrently.