Massive Hailstorm Strikes Beijing — Over 45,000 Damage Reports
- Yewon Choi
- Jul 1
- 1 min read
July 1, 2025
Yewon Choi
On May 13, 2025, a sudden and powerful hailstorm hit Beijing, China. During the day, temperatures reached 32.3°C, but in the evening, large hailstones, some as big as eggs (about 4 centimeters wide), fell from the sky. This unexpected storm surprised many residents.
The hailstorm caused significant damage across the city. Over 45,000 damage reports were filed, mostly for broken car windows and dents. One insurance company received more than 1,400 claims in just one evening.
The Beijing Meteorological Observatory had issued warnings earlier that evening, predicting thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail. They explained that the high daytime temperatures led to energy building up in the atmosphere. When this energy combined with moist air and cooler temperatures at night, it created the perfect conditions for a hailstorm.
Many residents shared photos and videos online, showing the large hailstones and the damage they caused. Some people even parked their cars under bridges to protect them from the hail. Experts warn that such extreme weather events may become more common due to climate change. They advise people to stay informed about weather forecasts and to take precautions during severe weather conditions.
