Before March 18, 2026, residents of Shivamogga, Karnataka, had anticipated the usual pre-monsoon weather patterns, which typically include sporadic rain and mild thunderstorms. However, the day unfolded dramatically as a severe hail storm descended upon the city, altering expectations and causing widespread chaos.

The hail storm began at approximately 4.30 p.m. and persisted for about an hour, bringing with it high-speed winds and intense thunderstorms. The sudden onset of the storm caught many off guard, forcing numerous two-wheeler riders to abandon their vehicles in the streets due to the relentless hail.

As the storm raged on, power supply was disrupted across many areas of Shivamogga, leaving residents in darkness. The aftermath revealed significant destruction, with several trees uprooted by the strong winds, further complicating the recovery efforts.

In nearby Machapur village, located in Dharwad district, the storm blanketed the area under a thick layer of hail after a two-hour barrage. The impact was severe, with reports indicating substantial damage to crops and property throughout Karnataka.

Local farmers expressed distress as a large quantity of tomato crops, which were ready for harvesting, was destroyed. Additionally, houses with tiled roofs reported structural damage from the hail impact, raising concerns about the economic repercussions for the affected families.

Residents described the landscape post-storm as resembling a ‘mini Kashmir,’ with the ground covered in white hail. This unusual sight was accompanied by an alarming increase in lightning activity, further intensifying the storm’s ferocity.

Meteorologists attributed the hail storm to intense pre-monsoon activity and strong local convection, emphasizing that such severe weather events, while not unheard of, are becoming increasingly concerning. “We have not witnessed anything like this before,” remarked a villager, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the storm.

Local residents have reported heavy losses in agriculture and have reached out to the agriculture department, sharing video evidence of the event. “Many crops have suffered heavy losses due to the excessive hailstorm,” stated a local resident, underscoring the urgent need for support and assessment from authorities.

As the community begins to assess the damage and recover from this unexpected hail storm, the long-term impacts on agriculture and infrastructure remain to be seen. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the damage and the response from local government agencies.

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