Beijing was hit by unusually large hail on the evening of May 13, with hailstones as big as eggs damaging cars, buildings, and infrastructure across the city.
Videos and photos quickly spread online, comparing the hailstones to eggs and showing shattered windshields, cracked rooftops, and broken windows. In one viral clip, a person held a large hailstone in their hand, clearly shocked by its size.
According to local reports, the hailstorm followed a stretch of warm weather and took many residents by surprise. Experts from the China Meteorological Administration said the event was caused by strong convective weather, which also brought bursts of heavy rain and strong winds. The sudden storm created hazardous conditions for evening commuters.
So far, no injuries have been reported, but officials are still assessing the full extent of the property damage. Authorities have warned that more unstable weather may occur as Beijing enters the transition from spring to summer. Residents are urged to stay updated on forecasts and take precautions during severe weather alerts.
Although hailstorms are not unusual in northern China, this one stood out for the sheer size and force of the hailstones. Some online users joked that it felt like a “sky attack,” while others called for better early warning systems in cities to help reduce damage and danger.