Guwahati: Residents of Shillong witnessed an unusual weather phenomenon on Wednesday as rain accompanied by a hailstorm covered parts of the city with small hailstones, creating a brief snow-like landscape.
The hailstorm hit the city between 11 am and noon after dark clouds gathered overhead. Heavy rainfall followed, with hailstones falling across several localities. The sudden change in weather surprised residents and visitors, many of whom took out their mobile phones to capture the rare sight.
In several areas, hailstones accumulated along roadsides, footpaths and open spaces, while parked vehicles were also covered. The white patches reminded some residents of snowfall in Kashmir.
The sudden spell of rain and hail also brought a noticeable drop in temperature, adding to the chill across the hill city.
According to the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) evening weather report, Shillong recorded 28.4 mm of rainfall between 8.30 am and 2.30 pm on Wednesday. The city registered a maximum temperature of 20.5°C and a minimum of 12°C.
During the same period, Barapani received 33 mm of rainfall, while Sohra recorded 5.2 mm.
IMD issues thunderstorm and hail warning for Meghalaya
The Meteorological Centre in Shillong has forecast thunderstorms and lightning, accompanied by gusty winds reaching 40-50 kmph and hail at isolated places across Meghalaya.
Light to moderate rainfall is also likely at a few locations in Shillong and adjoining areas.
The weather warning map issued on November 11 indicated a watch over several districts for November 12 to 15, while showing no weather warning for those dates.
Although the hailstorm lasted only a short time, it transformed parts of Shillong into a snow-like scene. The unusual spectacle offered residents a brief glimpse of a snow-covered landscape in a city more accustomed to rain and mist.