Hailstorm batters Chikkamagaluru, coffee estates turn white

Chikkamagaluru: Heavy hailstorms lashed the Malnad region of Chikkamagaluru district on Wednesday, disrupting normal life after continuous afternoon rains over the past three days.

Several areas, including Magalu, Sringeri (Sangameshwarapete region), and Khandya, witnessed intense rainfall accompanied by hailstones.

Coffee estates resemble jasmine fields

Hailstones covered the ground in coffee plantations, creating a white layer that resembled jasmine flowers spread across the estates. The accumulation was so dense that the ground beneath was barely visible. Hailstones were also seen piled up in residential courtyards and on roads.

Children enjoy rare weather event

The unexpected hailstorm brought cheer to children, who were seen collecting hailstones in containers and playing in open spaces.

For the past three days, several parts of the district have been experiencing afternoon showers accompanied by thunder, leading to a noticeable drop in temperature.