Hail Stuns West Lampung; BMKG Explains What Caused It

Hail fell in several areas of Balik Bukit district, West Lampung regency. BMKG Lampung said the phenomenon was triggered by the intense growth of cumulonimbus (Cb) clouds.

BMKG Lampung forecaster on duty Iqbal Arief Pangestu explained that hail forms inside cumulonimbus clouds. These clouds have strong updrafts, which can carry water droplets into atmospheric layers where temperatures are below freezing.

“The water droplets then freeze and undergo processes inside the cloud before eventually falling to the earth’s surface as hail,” Iqbal said, as quoted by detikSumbagsel on Monday (2 November 2026).

He said hail formation is linked to unstable atmospheric conditions. The availability of water vapour and local factors, including West Lampung’s topography, can also support the growth of intense convective clouds.

The phenomenon occurred in Balik Bukit district at 3.21pm local time on Sunday (1 November). Marble-sized hail fell alongside heavy rain, strong winds and lightning.

West Lampung Military District Commander Lieutenant Colonel Rizky Kurniawan said at least six areas were affected: Pekon Watas, Gunungsugih, Padang Dalom, Padang Hanakau, Waymengaku urban village and Pasar Liwa urban village.

The hail lasted around 10–15 minutes. The ice pellets falling in yards and on roads startled residents, prompting some to leave their homes to watch the phenomenon.