Nepal’s Meteorological Forecasting Division (MFD), under the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM), has warned of moderate to heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, wind, and hail across the country today, Wednesday, October 7, 2026. The MFD cautioned that these conditions could severely impact agriculture and daily life, particularly in Madhesh Province.
Currently, moderate rainfall with thunder and lightning is occurring in a few places in Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Karnali, and Sudurpashchim provinces, and one or two locations in Lumbini Province. The prevailing weather is due to the combined influence of a Westerly low-pressure system and monsoon winds.
For today afternoon, the MFD forecasts moderate rainfall with thunder, lightning, wind, and hail in a few areas of the Himalayan region and some parts of the hilly region. Moderate rainfall with thunder, lightning, wind, and hail is also likely in some areas of the Terai plains in Lumbini and Sudurpashchim provinces, and a few locations in the Terai plains of Madhesh, Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces.
Heavy rainfall is anticipated in one or two places in the hilly and Terai regions of Lumbini and Sudurpashchim provinces, as well as in the hilly regions of Bagmati, Gandaki, and Karnali provinces.
Tonight, light rain and snowfall are possible in one or two places in the Himalayan region with thunder and lightning. Moderate rainfall with thunder and lightning is expected in a few areas of the hilly regions of Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces, and one or two locations in the hilly regions of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces. One or two places in the Terai plains may also experience moderate rainfall with thunder and lightning.
The MFD has urged the public to take precautions due to the potential partial impact on daily life, agriculture, and road and air transport from the rain, thunderstorms, wind, and hail. The division also warned of risks from floods, landslides, and inundation due to heavy rainfall. Early morning fog or mist is also possible in the Terai plains, which could affect road and air travel.
Climate change-induced unseasonal rainfall is expected to severely affect agriculture in the Terai, particularly in Madhesh Province. Meteorologists warn that this could damage vegetables, fruits, and other crops, potentially leading to a reduction in food production.
Delayed Monsoon Withdrawal and Westerly System
Although the average date for monsoon withdrawal from Nepal is October 2 (Ashwin 15, BS), the process for this year (2083 BS) began on October 2 (Ashwin 16, BS). However, the influence of monsoon winds persists beyond the average date. This, coupled with the active Westerly low-pressure system, has intensified weather activities across the country.
Earlier, NM Khabar reported on the partial influence of monsoon and Westerly winds across the country. You can read our previous coverage here: देशभर मनसुनी र पश्चिमी वायुको आंशिक प्रभाव, ६ प्रदेशमा वर्षाको सम्भावना.
Outlook for Coming Days
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology issues weather warnings and daily bulletins for the next three days. Meteorologists advise taking necessary precautions to mitigate potential risks from rain, thunderstorms, wind, and hail.
For Kathmandu, a 35% chance of light rain in the afternoon and cloudy skies at night is forecast for Thursday, October 8. On Friday, October 9, there is a 75% chance of scattered thunderstorms with rain in the afternoon and light rain at night. From Saturday, October 10, Kathmandu is expected to experience generally sunny weather with a low chance of rain.
Even after the monsoon officially withdraws, meteorologists state that local weather systems may cause light rainfall for a few more days. While less rain is anticipated for Ghatasthapana (Ashwin 25, BS), the first day of Dashain, scattered rainfall is still possible throughout the Dashain festival period.
For information on extreme weather events and floods, the public can contact the toll-free number 1155.
The full withdrawal of the Westerly low-pressure system remains unclear. Detailed information on the specific impact of this rain, hail, and wind on different crops in Madhesh Province is not yet available, nor is a comprehensive assessment of potential damage to weak structures, tin roofs, power poles, and billboards.
