Snowfall in Hyderabad? Weather Swings From Scorching Heat To Hail And Rain

Hyderabad recently witnessed an unusual weather event after thunderstorms over the Outer Ring Road (ORR), where hailstones fell in parts of the city. Several videos circulating on social media claimed that it was snow, leading to confusion among residents.

Meteorologists have clarified that the phenomenon was hail and not snowfall. Snow requires surface temperatures at or below 0°C to form and accumulate, conditions that do not occur in Hyderabad during peak summer. Hail, on the other hand, forms high within thunderstorm clouds due to strong updrafts. Ice pellets develop in the colder upper layers of the atmosphere and can fall to the ground even when surface temperatures are above 30°C, as is common in April.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Hyderabad is set to experience sharp weather contrasts on Tuesday. The city is expected to record maximum temperatures of around 41°C, while minimum temperatures may remain close to 28°C. The limited cooling during the night is likely to increase discomfort, making the heat feel more persistent.

With temperatures crossing 40°C, the afternoon period is expected to be particularly intense, raising the risk of dehydration and heat exhaustion.

Despite the daytime heat, weather conditions are likely to change by evening. The IMD has forecast partly cloudy skies with a high probability of light rain and thunderstorms in some areas. These may be accompanied by gusty south westerly winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 kmph.

While the showers could bring temporary relief from the heat, they may also affect traffic and outdoor activities. Sudden changes in weather, including reduced visibility and brief spells of rain, could create inconvenience for commuters.

Weather experts note that hail during summer thunderstorms is not unusual. Intense surface heating leads to strong convective activity, which helps lift moisture high into the atmosphere where it freezes into ice before falling as hail.

Officials have advised residents to take precautions, including staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, and remaining alert to changing weather conditions later in the day.

Hyderabad continues to experience typical pre monsoon variability, where extreme heat during the day can quickly give way to thunderstorms and short spells of rain by evening.