Cambodia witnessed a rare and surprising weather phenomenon over the weekend, as hailstones hit several parts of the Kingdom during heavy storms.

Social media platforms lit up on April 26, with posts from amazed Khmer sharing images and videos of the small ice pellets that blanketed their rooftops and fell into their hands. The event, particularly extraordinary given Cambodia’s tropical climate, generated widespread buzz, with many people amazed by the sight.

One of the most memorable moments came from Siem Reap, where a Facebook user captured a video of the hailstorm near the world-famous Angkor Wat temple complex. The sight of hailstones near such an iconic landmark left many wondering about the implications for the region’s climate.

Hail in Cambodia is rare due to its tropical climate, but experts note that such storms can occur during the transitional periods between the dry and wet seasons. 

Authorities have confirmed that no significant damage or injuries were reported during Saturday’s unlikely storm.