Massive hailstorm in Beijing shatters windshields, causes traffic and flight chaos
A severe hailstorm struck Beijing on May 13, 2025, producing hailstones up to 4 cm (1.6 inches) in diameter that caused widespread vehicle damage, disrupted traffic, and led to flight cancellations. The storm triggered multiple alerts from the Beijing Meteorological Observatory and impacted 13 districts. Events of this magnitude are uncommon in Beijing, where hailstorms typically produce smaller hail and are more localized.
Image credit: Jim Yang
A severe hailstorm struck Beijing on the evening of May 13, affecting 13 districts, including Haidian, Chaoyang, Fengtai, Shijingshan, and Shunyi. Hailstones exceeding 4 cm (1.6 inches) in diameter pelted the city from 16:00 to 23:50 local time (LT). Residents reported stones weighing over 30 grams and described the impact as resembling gunfire or explosions.
The hailstorm caused significant damage to vehicles across multiple districts, shattering windshields and denting car bodies.
In Shijingshan, a resident reported “extremely destructive” hailstones that broke his car’s windshield with loud bangs. Videos showed drivers parking under bridges to shield vehicles, contributing to traffic congestion on roads like West Tucheng Road. Insurance companies, including Taipingyang and Ping An, confirmed that vehicle damage claims would be processed for those with appropriate coverage, urging owners to document damage with photos and videos.
Traffic disruptions were widespread due to hail accumulation and severe water pooling in at least 14 locations across Beijing. Roads in Fengtai and Daxing were flooded, slowing evening rush-hour traffic and causing delays.
At Beijing Capital International Airport, the storm led to 55 flights being diverted or canceled, affecting travel schedules. The Beijing municipal government formed a task force to assess damage and assist residents, while authorities called for expedited insurance claim processing.
The Beijing Meteorological Observatory issued multiple alerts, starting with a yellow hail warning at 18:12 KT LT for 13 districts, followed by thunderstorm and wind warnings. The alerts remained active until 23:50 LT, noting thunderstorms with level 8 gales and hail in areas like Haidian.
Meteorologist He Na attributed the storm to high daytime temperatures of 30°C (86°F), which caused atmospheric energy accumulation. Combined with moisture and triggering conditions, this fueled intense convective weather, initiating in western and northern Beijing.
Rainfall measurements between 4:00 p.m. and 20:00 LT averaged 3.1 mm (0.1 inches) citywide, with urban areas recording 2.2 mm (0.09 inches). The highest rainfall was 28.8 mm (1.1 inches) in Beisungezhuang, Shunyi District, while Qiwangfen in Haidian recorded 18.8 mm (0.7 inches) in the hour before 20:00 LT.
The observatory noted that the convergence of warm and cold air masses drove the storm’s severity. Residents described the weather as “bizarre,” contrasting the daytime high of 32.3 °C (90.14 °F) with the icy nighttime storm.
Social media captured public reactions, with netizens sharing images of hailstones compared to eggs or walnuts. A Beijing resident surnamed Liu called the event “exceptionally rare” in decades of living in the city. Others urged caution, advising people to avoid outdoor travel during the storm.
The Beijing Meteorological Bureau recommended precautions like carrying rain gear, driving slowly, and securing outdoor items to mitigate risks from hail and strong winds.
Events of this magnitude are uncommon in Beijing, where hailstorms typically produce smaller hail and are more localized. The combination of large hailstones, widespread impact across 13 districts, and significant damage to vehicles and infrastructure makes this one of the most severe hailstorms in recent years.
Reet is a science journalist and researcher with a keen focus on extreme weather, space phenomena, and climate-related issues. With a strong foundation in astronomy and a history of environmental activism, she approaches every story with a sharp scientific lens and a deep sense of purpose. Driven by a lifelong love for writing, and a curiosity about the universe, Reet brings urgency and insight to some of the most important scientific developments of our time.
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