Kathmandu, November 11, 2026 (25 Kartik 2083) - A sudden and intense hailstorm accompanied by heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds swept across the Kathmandu Valley on Wednesday afternoon, disrupting Bhai Tika celebrations and affecting transportation on one of Nepal’s most important Hindu festivals.
The unexpected change in weather caught many people by surprise as families travelled across Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur to celebrate Bhai Tika, the final and most significant day of the five-day Tihar festival, which celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters.
Several areas, including Budhanilkantha, Kapan, Kadaghari, Gaushala and Chabahil in Kathmandu, along with different parts of Lalitpur and Bhaktapur, experienced rainfall accompanied by hailstones. The sudden downpour also brought colder conditions across the valley, affecting festive activities and travel.
Tribhuvan International Airport temporarily closed
The hailstorm also disrupted operations at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu, after a significant accumulation of hailstones made parts of the runway slippery and unsafe for aircraft movement.
According to reports citing airport officials, flight operations were suspended for approximately 55 minutes, from 1:47 pm to 2:42 pm, while airport personnel worked to clear accumulated hail from the runway.
Two international flights, arriving from Sharjah and Dubai, were diverted to Varanasi and Lucknow in India, respectively, after they were unable to land safely in Kathmandu. Airport personnel used fire and rescue vehicles to clear the hail and restore safe operating conditions.
The incident highlighted how sudden weather events can disrupt critical transportation infrastructure, even in areas where such conditions are not commonly expected during this period.
Westerly winds behind the weather change
According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM), the partial influence of westerly winds was contributing to changing weather conditions across Nepal.
The department had forecast cloudy conditions, with possibilities of rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and snowfall in some Himalayan and hilly areas, particularly across Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces.
Although the forecast indicated the possibility of rainfall in parts of the country, the intensity of the hailstorm in Kathmandu Valley and its immediate impact on airport operations drew considerable attention.
A reminder of the importance of weather preparedness
The sudden storm during a major national festival highlights the importance of timely weather information, effective early-warning communication and preparedness for weather-related disruptions.
As Nepal continues to experience changing weather patterns and increasing exposure to climate-related risks, strengthening meteorological monitoring, public awareness and climate-resilient infrastructure remains essential.
However, individual weather events such as this hailstorm should not automatically be attributed to climate change. Scientific assessment is necessary to establish whether changing climate conditions have influenced the frequency, intensity or characteristics of such events.
For thousands of families celebrating Bhai Tika, Wednesday's unexpected weather brought an unusual interruption to an otherwise joyful occasion, reminding communities that weather preparedness is important even during the country's most cherished festival.
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